Comparison of the Effectiveness of Pulse Radiofrequency in the Treatment of Suprascapular Nerve in Chronic Shoulder Pain

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the effects of various durations of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) application on pain and functional limitation in the short term in patients suffering from chronic shoulder pain. Methods: Eighty three patients, 50 women (60.2%) and 33 men (39.8%) were included in the study. Ultrasound-guided PRF treatment of the suprascapular nerve was performed for 8 min in 44 (53.1%) and 10 min in 39 (46.9%) patients. The pain intensity of the patients was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) was utilized to define shoulder function and pain. VAS and SPADI measurements before and four weeks after treatment were recorded. Results: The VAS and SPADI scores showed a significant improvement in both treatment groups (P < 0.05); however, no significant difference was observed between the groups. Conclusion: Therefore, PRF of the suprascapular nerve is a beneficial treatment method in patients suffering from chronic shoulder pain; furthermore, the duration of PRF treatment of 8 or 10 minutes does not affect the effectiveness of the treatment.