Freezing pain away: new hope for rib fracture sufferers?

NCT ID NCT05865327

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tests a procedure called cryoneurolysis, which uses a tiny freezing tool to temporarily numb the nerves around broken ribs. The goal is to see if it's practical to run a larger study comparing this technique plus standard pain care to standard care alone. Twenty-four adults with 3 to 8 broken ribs on one side will be enrolled and followed for 3 months to track pain levels and medication use.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

cryoneurolysis (nerve freezing procedure)

What this could lead to

If this works, it could point toward a better way to manage severe pain from broken ribs, reducing complications and long-term pain.

What could go wrong

This is a very small pilot study (24 people) testing only if a larger trial is possible. It is not designed to prove the treatment works, and nerve freezing carries risks like temporary numbness or muscle weakness.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Accidental Injuries Acute Pain bone fracture Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome injury Pain Rib Fractures

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

    RECRUITING

    Toronto, Ontario, M4N3M5, Canada

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••