The efficacy of suprascapular nerve radiofrequency and intra-articular steroıd injectıon in frozen shoulder treatment: randomızed controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aims to address the impacts of intra-articular steroid injection (IASI) alone versus the combination of suprascapular nerve (SSN) pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and IASI on pain relief and improvement in shoulder range of motion (ROM) in patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC) (frozen shoulder). Methods This study included 80 patients with AC. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups. A combination of suprascapular nerve pulsed radiofrequency and IASI were administered to the first group and IASI to the second. Both groups underwent a standardized physical therapy program for three weeks following the intervention. Outcome measures included active and passive ROM (AROM and PROM), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), assessed at baseline and 4th week, and 12th week post-treatment. Results 80 patients (40 patients in each group) completed this study. Both interventions were found to be effective in both groups ( p < 0.05). However, intergroup comparisons revealed that patients in the SNNR group experienced significantly better improvements in pain levels (as measured by VAS and SPADI scores) and ROM ( p < 0.05). No post-procedural complications were observed in either group. Conclusions This study revealed that the administration of PRF lesioning of the SSN utilizing a UG method combined with intra-articular steroid injection yielded better and faster pain relief, reduced disability, and better AROM and PROM in comparison to intra-articular injection alone in AC patients. Trial registration This study was retrospective registered with the U.S. Clinical Trial Registry (U.S. Clinical Trial Registry No NCT06778577, date 20241125).