BACKGROUND: Pulsed radiofrequency treatment (PRF) applied to the suprascapular nerve may provide pain relief for patients suffering from shoulder pain as described in three case series. AIMS: The effect of PRF to the suprascapular nerve was retrospectively analysed on 28 patients with shoulder pain lasting longer than 1 month, with a 6-month follow-up. Group A was treated with PRF and local anaesthetics only while group B was treated with PRF, local anaesthetic and steroid. Pain scores were evaluated before and after the procedure and at 1, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: More than 50% of patients in both groups had significant pain relief after 3 months. No major, but only one minor complication occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the analgesic effects of PRF last more than 3 months in the majority of patients. The addition of steroid to the PRF treatment appears to have no benefit.
BACKGROUND: Pulsed radiofrequency treatment (PRF) applied to the suprascapular nerve may provide pain relief for patients suffering from shoulder pain as described in three case series. AIMS: The effect of PRF to the suprascapular nerve was retrospectively analysed on 28 patients with shoulder pain lasting longer than 1 month, with a 6-month follow-up. Group A was treated with PRF and local anaesthetics only while group B was treated with PRF, local anaesthetic and steroid. Pain scores were evaluated before and after the procedure and at 1, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: More than 50% of patients in both groups had significant pain relief after 3 months. No major, but only one minor complication occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the analgesic effects of PRF last more than 3 months in the majority of patients. The addition of steroid to the PRF treatment appears to have no benefit.
Authors: Yoshinori Higuchi; Blaine S Nashold; Menno Sluijter; Eric Cosman; Robert D Pearlstein Journal: Neurosurgery Date: 2002-04 Impact factor: 4.654
Authors: Timothy P C Kane; Peter Rogers; Jane Hazelgrove; Simon Wimsey; Gareth D Harper Journal: J Shoulder Elbow Surg Date: 2008-03-07 Impact factor: 3.019