title: The Effect of the Modified Lateral Suprascapular Block on Shoulder Function in Patients With Chronic Shoulder Pain.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) is commonly used in pain therapy for patients with chronic shoulder pain. The effect of SSNB on shoulder function has, however, not been investigated so far. If in shoulder function, i.e. the range of motion is increased after application of the nerve block, it can be expected that subsequent physiotherapy, besides being less painful, is also more effective in terms of restoring shoulder mobility.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Our aim was to evaluate the effect of SSNB on shoulder function, in patients with chronic shoulder pain.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were evaluated using the Constant-Murley Score (CMS) and number rating scale values for pain. The SSN was blocked using the Feigl approach, with 5 ml ropivacaine 0.5%. Shoulder function and pain were assessed 60 minutes and 24 hours after the block.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Totally, 20 patients completed the study. The CMS and pain scores significantly improved after the block.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of the modified lateral SSNB of Feigl significantly reduces pain and increases shoulder function, in chronic shoulder pain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Interdisciplinary Pain Clinic, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dorn
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Interdisciplinary Pain Clinic, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: Gudrun
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rumpold-Seitlinger
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Interdisciplinary Pain Clinic, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: Sylvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Farzi
authors.affiliation: Institute of Anesthesiology, St. Mary's Hospital, Vorau, Austria.
authors.forename: Johann
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Auer
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Interdisciplinary Pain Clinic, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: Helmar
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bornemann-Cimenti
keywords: Anesthesia Regional; Nerve Block; Ropivacaine; Shoulder Pain