Early Percutaneous Cryoablation for Pain Control After Rib Fractures Among Elderly Patients

Patients will be offered a minimally invasive solution known as cryoneurolysis. By directly applying a cold cryoneurolysis probe to the nerves the axon is destroyed, resulting in Wallerian degeneration of the distal nerve without distorting epineurial or perineurial tissue. Application of cryoneurolysis will help reduce the amount of narcotics the patient would need to take and instead provide them longer term pain control with minimal risk.

Patients will be provided regular standard of care at the Stanford Hospital with long-term follow-up provided at the Stanford Center for Reconstruction after Chest Wall Injury.