Management of periarthritis of shoulder joint by suprascapular nerve block

Abstract

Introduction: Periarthritis of the shoulder is a condition characterized by painful and global restriction of active and passive glenohumeral range of motion in at least two directions, most notably shoulder abduction and external rotation. Therapeutic options for the management of periarthritis shoulder are as follows: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-articular steroid injections, suprascapular nerve block (SSNB), platelet-rich plasma injection, manipulation under general anesthesia, or arthroscopic capsular release. SSNB is an old and effective method for the treatment of periarthritis of shoulder. Recently, ultrasonography (USG)-guided nerve blocks have been found to be safer and more efficacious compared to landmark guided nerve blocks. In this case series, SSNB has been done under USG guidance to check for its efficacy. Aim: This study aims to assess the efficacy of SSNB in the treatment of periarthritis of the shoulder joint. Materials and Methods: Patients with periarthritis of shoulder received single injection of SSNB (n = 20) (40 mg methylprednisolone + 5 ml 2% lignocaine). All participants were also advised to perform a home-based 10 min exercise therapy after injection. The outcome was measured using Constant and Murley shoulder score. Participants were evaluated at 0, 3rd day, and 1 month. Unpaired t-test was used to determine significant differences. Results: SSNB treatment resulted in statistically significant improvements in CONSTANT score on both 3rd day and 1-month follow-up. No major adverse effects were seen in SSNB. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that single injection of SSNB improves both in pain and all range of motion of shoulder joint.