Clinical effects of suprascapular nerve block in addition to intra-articular corticosteroid injection in the early stages of adhesive capsulitis: A singleblind, randomized controlled trial

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the short and long-term effects of the combination of suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) and intra-articular corticosteroid injection (IAI) on pain, shoulder range of motion (ROM), disability, and quality of life in the management of patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC).

Methods: Forty patients (ages 30–70 years) who were diagnosed with AC stages 1 and 2 were randomlyassigned to one of two groups: Group-1 received IAI and SSNB combination, while group-2 only-IAI. Both groups started a three-week rehabilitation
program after the intervention. The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), active and passive shoulder ROMs, and the Short Form 36(SF-36) were assessed by a physiatrist who was blinded to the allocation at baseline and three weeks, three months, and twelve months. The NRS and shoulder ROMs were also examined in the first hour.

Results: Nineteen patients from each group with mean ages of 55.84±2.19 (15 females, 4 males) and51.79 ± 1.58 (14 females, 5 males) were included. Within the groups, SPADI and NRS scores were decreased, while active and passive ROMs and the physical function, physical role, and bodily pain domains of SF-36 were increased by time (P < 0.05). Between the groups, the change in NRS value and active flexion in the first hour was more remarkable in group 1 (P < 0.05). No significant difference between outcome measurements was found at the 3rd week, 3rd month, and 12th month (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: SSNB as an adjunct to IAI in AC positively affected the immediate pain relief and functional improvement after the intervention; however, it did not yield any additional benefit in the short and long-terms.

Level of Evidence: Level I, Therapeutic Study

Cite this article as: Gencer-Atalay K, Kurt S, Kaplan E, Yağcı İ. Clinical effects of suprascapular nerve block in addition to intra-articular corticosteroid injection in the early stages of adhesive capsulitis: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc 2021; 55(6): 459–465.