Role of suprascapular nerve block in chronic shoulder pain: A comparative study of 60 cases

Role of suprascapular nerve block in chronic shoulder pain: A comparative study of 60 cases

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Background: Suprascapular nerve block using anatomical landmark has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for chronic shoulder pain from rheumatoid and degenerative arthritis.This can be performed as an outpatient procedure that reduces pain and disability.Aims and Objectives: To access efficacy of suprascapular nerve block in chronic shoulder pain.To compare results between placebo and use of methyl prednisolone with bupivacaine for nerve block.

Materials and Methods: 60 patients with chronic shoulder pain were taken up for the trial.In the study group, all patients received the block through the anatomical landmark approach, hdw1620dnpk with a single sitting suprascapular nerve block.On randomized basis, 30 patients were given 10 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine and 40 mg of methyl prednisolone acetate (depo medrol) to block the suprascapular nerve.

Another 30 patients were injected with 11 ml of 0.9% saline.Patients were followed up on 2 nd day, 7 th day, and 21 st day and 3 months for the status of relief of pain and improvement of movement of joint.Results: Evaluation of the efficacy of the block was achieved by comparing verbal pain scores and improvement in range of movements at 2, 7, 21 days and 3 months after the injection.

Significant pain relief is defined as improvement of more than 70% dark red masquerade mask on verbal and visual analog pain scale scores.Results were consistent with VAS score of pain.Maximum improvement was noted in the bupivacaine+methyl prednisolone mixed group.Conclusion: The result of this study shows a clear benefit of methyl prednisolone + bupivacaine for suprascapular nerve block in cases of chronic shoulder pain.

There was statistically and clinically significant reduction in pain and improvement in range of movements.