Suprascapular nerve radiofrequency versus intraarticular steroid injection in chronic shoulder pain

Abstract

Background: Chronic shoulder pain is a frequent clinical condition that often reduces patient’s function and rehabilitation. Objectives: We aimed to compare efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) to intra-articular steroid (triamcinolone acetonide) injection in controlling chronic shoulder pain as regard improvement of pain and function in six-month duration. Patients and Methods: We carried out a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blinded study enrolled 60 patients with shoulder pain randomly divided into 2 groups. Group I: PRF group enrolled 30 patients who were treated by PRF neuromodulation to the suprascapular nerve under fluoroscopy and Group II: steroid group enrolled 30 patients who were treated with intra-articular injection of 5 ml of 2% lidocaine with triamcinolone acetonide 40 mg. Results: In Group 1 (PRF group) we reported statistically significant improvement of VAS, these positive effects lasted at least 6 months and the VAS decreased through 6 months from 6.5 to 3.5. In Group 2 VAS decreased through 6 months from 7 to 3.5. Both groups showed significant Oxford Shoulder Scale (OSS) improvement. Conclusion: Intra articular injection of triamcinolone acetonide is more effective in improvement of chronic shoulder pain and function than PRF.