A retrospective study assessing different techniques for Suprascapular Nerve Block for chronic shoulder pain

Abstract

Shoulder pain is a common complaint associated with significant pain and disability. Chronic shoulder pain is common cause of functional disability in the community. A supra scapular nerve block is a safe and effective technique for treatment of both acute and chronic shoulder pain, resulting from inflammatory and degenerative disorders. It can be done using a number of different techniques including but not limited to landmark technique, USG guided, X-ray guided and CT guided and PRF. Methods: We did a retrospective study looking at efficacy of supra-scapular nerve block done in our centre over the last 2 years using different techniques. We audited a total of 80 procedures over two years. We looked at effective pain relief and any potential complications over 3- 6 months. Result and conclusion: This was a retrospective study looking at a number of patients over 2 years having had multiple procedures. Because of the nature and the limitations of an audit, it was not possible to suggest that any particular technique is superior over the other. We need to do at prospective study with better randomization, follow up and more specific disability and pain scoring tools like shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) and VAS scoring systems.