2. Peripheral nerve
modulation
Peripheral nerve modulation
uses a technique that's more
commonly used for chronic
pain in targeting post-op pain
sensations. Providers place a
small electrical device next to
peripheral nerves to control
pain by delivering pulses of
electricity to the nerves. "This
may be the difference for some
patients in being able to taper
off of opioids after joint
replacement," says Dr. Mariano.
Although peripheral nerve
modulation has yet to undergo
large trials, Dr. Mariano is opti-
mistic that it will be a useful
way to keep patients moving down the road of recovery after surgery
without relying on opioids.
"While nerve modulation might not be needed for every patient, we
can identify patients ahead of time that might have greater-than-
expected post-op pain," he says.
3. Cryoanalgesia
Cryoanalgesia is just as it sounds: freezing the affected nerves to
numb pain. A needle-like probe delivers an extremely cold sensation
to nerves, causing an interruption of pain impulses to the brain. The
5 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8
• SPOT ON Ultrasound guidance lets providers place Interfascial
plane blocks in connective tissue without fear of injuring solid
organs.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR