Pulsed radiofrequency lesioning of the suprascapular nerve for chronic shoulder pain: a preliminary report.
OBJECTIVE
Chronic shoulder pain is difficult to treat, and the efficacy of most interventions is limited. This study was conducted to evaluate pulsed mode radiofrequency (PRF) lesioning of the suprascapular nerve for treating chronic shoulder pain. Interventions. Thirteen procedures using PRF lesioning of suprascapular nerve were performed under fluoroscopic guide in 11 patients (13 shoulder joints) with chronic shoulder pain for at least 3 months.


METHODS
The patients were evaluated for pain, shoulder disability function, and medication requirements prior to and after treatment.


RESULTS
At 1-month follow-up assessment, 10 (76.9%) shoulder joints had significant pain relief (visual analog scale >or= 50% reduction), and at 6-month follow-up assessment, nine (69.2%) still had significant pain relief. The mean VAS score of 11 patients before PRF was 7.5 +/- 1.0, and the scores at 1-month and 6-month follow-up were 2.8 +/- 2.6 and 2.5 +/- 2.8, respectively. A significant pain reduction (P < 0.001) was observed. The mean Shoulder Pain and Disability Index scores at 6-month follow-up also showed a significant decrease compared with pre-PRF (P < 0.001). Medication requirements were evaluated 1 month and 6 months after the PRF. Nine (81.8%) patients had their medication requirement decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
Pulsed mode radiofrequency lesioning to suprascapular nerve is a potential treatment option for patients suffering chronic shoulder pain. It provides long-lasting pain relief and decreases pain medication requirements.
Liliang
Po-Chou
PC
Department of Neurosurgery, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Lu
Kang
K
Liang
Cheng-Loong
CL
Tsai
Yu-Duan
YD
Hsieh
Ching-Hua
CH
Chen
Han-Jung
HJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D011846:Radio Waves; D012008:Recurrence; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult