Pain management is an important part of preparing for and recovering from orthopedic surgery. While pain medications have traditionally played a significant role in recovery, today there are additional options that may help patients manage pain while reducing their reliance on opioids.

At Arkansas Surgical Hospital, Iovera is one option that may be incorporated into a patient’s pain management plan before certain orthopedic procedures. This non-opioid treatment uses targeted cold therapy to temporarily interrupt pain signals from specific peripheral nerves, providing pain relief that can continue into the recovery period.

What Is Iovera?
Iovera is an FDA-cleared treatment that uses precisely controlled cold temperatures to target peripheral nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals.

During treatment, cold is applied to the targeted nerve tissue, temporarily preventing the nerve from sending pain signals. The treatment does not involve opioids or other pain medications, and its effects can provide pain relief for up to 90 days. Over time, the nerve naturally regenerates and normal function returns.

How Can Iovera Help With Orthopedic Surgery?
For certain patients, Iovera can be performed before orthopedic surgery as part of a comprehensive approach to managing postoperative pain.

Rather than waiting until pain develops after surgery, Iovera allows physicians to target specific pain-producing nerves beforehand. The resulting pain relief can then continue during the early recovery period when patients may otherwise require more pain medication.

For appropriate patients, incorporating Iovera into a surgical pain management plan may help:

• Reduce pain following orthopedic surgery
• Reduce the need for opioid pain medication
• Provide pain relief during the early stages of recovery
• Offer an additional pain management option for patients who cannot tolerate certain medications or are concerned about taking opioids

Iovera does not necessarily eliminate the need for other forms of pain management. Instead, it can be one component of a broader pain management strategy tailored to the individual patient and procedure.

Can Iovera Be Used Before Knee Replacement Surgery?
One application for Iovera is pain management associated with knee procedures, including knee replacement surgery.

A total knee replacement can significantly improve mobility and quality of life for patients with severe joint damage, but managing pain immediately following surgery is an important part of the recovery process.

For appropriate patients, Iovera may be performed before knee replacement to provide targeted pain relief that continues after surgery. By addressing certain pain signals before the procedure, the treatment may help reduce postoperative pain and the patient's need for opioid medication during recovery.

Your orthopedic surgeon and pain management physician can determine whether Iovera is appropriate for your specific procedure and medical needs.

Is Iovera an Opioid?
No. Iovera is a non-opioid pain treatment. It does not use narcotic medication to control pain. Instead, it uses targeted cold therapy to temporarily stop specific peripheral nerves from transmitting pain signals.

For patients who are concerned about opioid medications, have difficulty tolerating certain pain medications or simply want to discuss additional ways to manage pain after surgery, Iovera may be an option worth discussing with their physician.

How Long Does Iovera Pain Relief Last?
Pain relief from Iovera can last up to 90 days, although every patient is different. The treatment temporarily interrupts the nerve's ability to transmit pain signals. As the nerve naturally regenerates, its normal function gradually returns.

This extended period of relief is one reason the treatment may be useful around orthopedic surgery, when pain management can be particularly important during the first several weeks of recovery.

Who Is a Candidate for Iovera?
Not every patient or orthopedic procedure requires the same approach to pain management. A physician will consider your condition, planned procedure, overall health and individual needs when determining whether Iovera should be included in your treatment plan.
It may be considered for certain patients who are:

• Preparing for an orthopedic procedure such as knee replacement
• Looking for additional ways to manage postoperative pain
• Interested in reducing their reliance on opioid medications
• Unable to tolerate certain pain medications
• Experiencing certain types of knee pain that may respond to targeted nerve treatment

If you are considering orthopedic surgery or already have a procedure scheduled, talk with your physician about your pain management plan and whether Iovera may be an option for you.