Individualised Cryoneurolysis to Treat Pain in the Context of Spasticity in the Upper and Lower Extremities

Summary

Spasticity is an umbrella term for impairments of muscle tone and control in people with damage to the brain and spinal cord. It is highly prevalent and results in pain, stiffness, and contribute to difficulties in activities of daily living. Current treatment options are limited, and many people experience only partial reduction in spasticity and frequent repeated treatments are needed.

Cryoneurolysis is a medical technique which involves the controlled freezing of the nerves. It has been approved in the UK for the treatment of pain in the context of spasticity through the targeting of nerves which control problematic muscles. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been offering this treatment routinely since January 2024. This pilot study aims to improve the understanding of the potential effectiveness of this treatment and its potential side effects when compared with a more commonly used treatment (Botulinum Toxin).

Participants will be randomly allocated to receive usual care with Botulinum Toxin (control group) or usual care with Cryoneurolysis (intervention group). The investigators will assess pain, goal attainment, side effects, spasticity, disability and independence in daily activities, and movement of the arm and leg. Assessments will be at baseline and then 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-weeks following treatment. Participants who are randomised to the control group will have the opportunity to receive cryoneurolysis treatment after the 12 week follow up assessment.

The results of this study will help to guide future studies to examine the effectiveness of this treatment.

Conditions

• Centreal Neurological Condition
• Acquired Brain Injury (Including Stroke)
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Spinal Cord Injury

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Cryoneurolysis

Nerves that require treatment, and the number of treatments required for each nerve will be identified by routine clinical judgement. Nerve targets are identified using an ultrasound machine. The handheld Iovera cryoneurolysis device will be used for treatment. Participants will receive up to 4 treatments of cryoneurolysis for each nerve or nerve branch that requires treatment. It is anticipated that participants will have between 1 and 5 nerves or nerve branches per limb treated. Each Cryoneurolysis treatment takes 110 seconds. Total treatment time will be determined by number of nerves targeted and number of cryoneurolysis treatments per nerve. The shortest duration, with setup, is likely to be 60 minutes and the longest 120 minutes.

PROCEDURE

Botulinum toxin

Muscles that require treatment with Botulinum Toxin will be identified by routine clinical assessment. Muscle targets will be identified using an ultrasound machine. It is anticipated that participants will have between 2 and 8 muscles identified for target. The participant will receive up to 200 units of Xeomin (Botulinum Toxin) per muscle that requires treatment. Treatment session of Botulinum Toxin will take 60 to 90 minutes.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Oxford

  collaborator OTHER

• Bournemouth University

  collaborator OTHER

• Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-12-02

Primary Completion

2026-05-31

Completion

2026-11-30

Countries

• United Kingdom

Study Locations