Effect of pulsed radiofrequency to the suprascapular nerve (SSN) in treating frozen shoulder pain: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Treatment for frozen shoulder (FS) focuses on pain control and restoring movement and strength through physical therapy. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) lesioning of the suprascapular nerve for the treatment of FS pain. Methods: Forty patients with FS were enrolled and randomly assigned into the intervention group (n = 20) that received PRF and a control group (n = 20) which received medical treatment (NSAIDs). Patients were followed-up for a total of three months. The primary outcome was the pain intensity, measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS). The secondary outcomes included shoulder range of motion (ROM) evaluation measured by simple shoulder test (SST); Likert-type-based patient satisfaction scale; and any adverse events (AEs) throughout the treatment period. All results were measured at baseline, at the end of one week, four weeks and 12 weeks after treatment. Results: At 12 weeks post-procedure, the intervention group significantly improved their pain (NRS dropped to 2.80 ± 0.5) and there was significant improvement in range of motion (SST from 6.55% ± 2.0% to 76.50% ± 6.5) compared to control group. Conclusions: PRF lesioning of the SSN is a fast and effective modality in treating frozen shoulder pain and improving ROM for three months.