Comparison of the Effectiveness of Suprascapular Nerve Block and Combined Subacromial-Intra-articular Injections in the Management of Shoulder Pain Refractory to Conservative Treatment

Ahmet Yılmaz; Çağatay Küçükbingöz; Ayşe Bahşi

doi:10.35440/hutfd.1746229

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Suprascapular Nerve Block and Combined Subacromial-Intra-articular Injections in the Management of Shoulder Pain Refractory to Conservative Treatment

Authors : Ahmet Yılmaz, Çağatay Küçükbingöz, Ayşe Bahşi

Pages : 683-691

Doi:10.35440/hutfd.1746229

View : 68 | Download : 204

Publication Date : 2025-12-25

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Background: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of suprascapular nerve block (SSSB) with the combination of subacromial + intraarticular (SAI + IAI) injection in patients with chronic shoulder pain refractory to conservative treatment. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included a total of 114 patients who received interventional pain management at the Pain Medicine Clinic between 2022 and 2024 and met the follow-up criteria. The patients were allocated into two groups based on the type of treatment administered: SSSB, n=54 and combined subacromial and intra-articular injection (SAI + IAI, n=60). Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), functional status was evaluated with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and quality of life was measured through the Short Form-36 (SF-36) at baseline, 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-treatment. Results: In both groups, statistically significant improvements were observed in VAS, SPADI and SF-36 scores at all post-treatment time points (2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months) (p<0.001). These improvements were sustained through the 6-month follow-up. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the extent of improvement between the two treatment groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: SSSB and the combination of SAI + IAI demonstrated comparable clinical efficacy in the management of chronic shoulder pain unresponsive to conservative treatment. However, SSSB, being less invasive, offers advantages in terms of ease of administration and patient comfort. Moreover, its therapeutic effects were sustained for up to six months. These findings suggest that SSSB may be considered an effective standalone interventional treatment option in this patient population.
Keywords : Omuz ağrısı, Supraskapuler sinir, Eklem içi enjeksiyon, SPADI

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