Effect of pulsed radiofrequency therapy on the suprascapular nerve in shoulder pain of various aetiology.

BACKGROUND

Pulsed radiofrequency treatment (PRF) applied to the suprascapular nerve may provide pain relief for patients suffering from shoulder pain as described in three case series.

AIMS

The effect of PRF to the suprascapular nerve was retrospectively analysed on 28 patients with shoulder pain lasting longer than 1 month, with a 6-month follow-up. Group A was treated with PRF and local anaesthetics only while group B was treated with PRF, local anaesthetic and steroid. Pain scores were evaluated before and after the procedure and at 1, 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS

More than 50% of patients in both groups had significant pain relief after 3 months. No major, but only one minor complication occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the analgesic effects of PRF last more than 3 months in the majority of patients. The addition of steroid to the PRF treatment appears to have no benefit.