Comparison of Suprascapular Nerve Block With Glenohumeral Joint Dilatation for the Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder Joint.

BACKGROUND

Adhesive capsulitis (AC) of the shoulder is characterized by progressive pain and loss of active and passive range of motion (ROM). The purpose of this study was to identify a better approach to shoulder pain management and to eliminate unnecessary interventions. The objective was to assess the effect of ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block (SSNB), hydrodilatation (HD), and exercise in improving pain, ROM, and function of the shoulder joint.

METHOD

The study design included a single-blinded randomized controlled trial with an allocation ratio of 1:1:1. The study population consisted of patients attending the OPD and admitted to the ward. A total of 73 patients were analyzed in Group A (Nerve block + Exercise), Group B (Nerve block + HD + Exercise), and Group C (Exercise), using descriptive statistics to make comparisons among the various groups.

RESULTS

The changes were significant (p < 0.001) in all groups, with the maximum change in Group A and the minimum change in Group C. There were fewer significant changes in different ranges of motion, except for flexion, which showed significant improvement at every follow-up.

CONCLUSION

SSNB plus exercise program not only reduces pain but also reduces disability and improves function, making it an effective treatment for treatment for patients with AC.