Cryotherapy-induced nerve injury

Cryotherapy is a frequently used therapeutic modality in the treatment of athletic injuries. Peripheral nerve injury can result from the use of cryotherapy and cause temporary disability for the athlete. Six cases of periph eral nerve injury are reviewed. All cases resolved spon taneously. To avoid this complication, one should con sider the location of major peripheral nerves, the thick ness of the overlying subcutaneous fat, and the duration of tissue cooling.