Background/Purpose: To investigate the value of suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) as a treatment option for adhesive capsulitis.

Methods: Patients with adhesive capsulitis confirmed by a rheumatologist were invited to participate in the study. A randomised, double blind placebo controlled trial of standard therapy plus placebo versus standard therapy plus SSNB was performed. Standard therapy comprised an intra-articular glenohumeral joint injection of 20 mg of triamcenolone at time zero, plus a physiotherapist supervised exercise program. Patients received either a SSNB (10 mls of 0.5% bupivacaine and 40 mg of depomedrol) or placebo (3 mls of subcutaneous normal saline) injection at time zero and then at 3 monthly intervals until resolution. Resolution was defined as a return to full range of movement and a reduction of pain scores to normal, or recovery to the satisfaction of the patient. Pain, disability, range of movement and patient perceived rate of recovery scores were measured at 12 weekly intervals in the two groups.

Results: 54 patients (19 male, 35 female, mean age 54 years (range 32-72) participated. 27 patients received standard therapy plus the SSNB and 27 patients received standard therapy plus a placebo. 4 patients withdrew during the course of the study (all in the placebo group). The mean time to resolution of the symptoms was 5,4 months (CI 4,4-6.3) in the active group versus 11.2 months (CI 9.3-13.0) in the placebo group. Pain, disability, patient perceived rate of recovery and range of movement scores were significantly better in the actively treated group compared with the placebo group at all time intervals. The was one presycopal episode in the actively treated group but no other significant complications.

Conclusion: SSNB is highly effective in reducing the duration of frozen shoulder. It reduces pain significantly and is associated with high levels of patient satisfaction with recovery. It is safe and can be recommended as a useful adjunct therapy.

Survival analysis – Kaplan Meier curve, demonstrates the difference in time to resolution in the two groups.

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/suprascapular-nerve-block-for-the-treatment-of-adhesive-capsulitis/