ESRA19-0202 Efficacy of ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency for lower subscapular nerve in patients with persistent chronic shoulder pain after pulsed-radiofrequency for suprascapular nerve. (30th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yamaguchi, S; Yoshimura, N; Iida, H
• Is Part Of: Regional anesthesia and pain medicine. Volume 44(2019)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A174
• Page End: A175
• Publication Date: 2019-08-30
• Subjects: Conduction anesthesia -- Periodicals; Pain medicine -- Periodicals; 617.964
• DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2019-ESRAABS2019.279
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1098-7339

Abstract

Abstract : Background and aims: Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) for suprascapular nerve has been proposed as a therapeutic option in chronic shoulder pain. However, some cases remain pain and limited range of motion after treatment. In the present study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of ultrasound-guided PRF for lower subscapular nerve in patients who complained persisting shoulder pain after PRF for suprascapular nerve. Methods: A total of 15 patients with chronic intractable shoulder pain who did not respond to PRF for suprascapular nerve underwent ultrasound-guided R-RF treatment for lower subscapular nerve. Radio-frequency needle was inserted to the fascial space between teres major and subscapularis muscle, PRF was performed 42° C for 360 seconds. Pain intensity was scored using the numeric rating scale (NRS 0–10), and function was measured using simple shoulder test (SST). Results: There were 12 women and 3 men. Mean age was 58 years (range, 45–84). Significant decrease in pain (p<0.05) and significant improvement in shoulder function (p<0.05) were observed at 2 weeks (NRS; 7.8 to 4.3, SST; 2.0 to 4.8), 4 weeks (NRS; to 4.6, SST; to 4.7), and 8 weeks (NRS; to 4.6, SST; to 4.7) compared to baseline values before treatment. No serious complication was found in any patient. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided PRF for lower subscapular nerve could be a useful treatment in the patients with intractable persistent shoulder pain and dysfunction which is not improved by PRF for suprascapular nerve.