scholarly journals Ultrasound-guided Suprascapular Nerve Block Technique

2007 ◽  
Vol 6;10 (6;11) ◽  
pp. 746-746
Author(s):  
Dominic Harmon
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Nerve Block ◽  
Ultrasound Guidance ◽  
Adhesive Capsulitis ◽  
Suprascapular Nerve ◽  
Ultrasound Transducer ◽  
Suprascapular Notch ◽  
Suprascapular Nerve Block ◽  
Scapular Notch

Background: In this article, we describe a case report of using real-time, high-resolution ultrasound guidance to facilitate blockade of the suprascapular nerve. We describe a case report and technique for using a portable ultrasound scanner (38 mm broadband (13-6 MHz) linear array transducer (SonoSite Micromaxx SonoSite, Inc. 21919 30th Drive SE Bothwell W. A..)) to guide suprascapular nerve block. Methods: A 44-year old male patient presented with severe, painful osteoarthritis with adhesive capsulitis of his right shoulder. The ultrasound transducer in a transverse orientation was placed over the scapular spine. Moving the transducer cephalad the suprascapular fossa was identified. While imaging the supraspinatus muscle and the bony fossa underneath, the ultrasound transducer was moved laterally (maintaining a transverse transducer orientation) to locate the suprascapular notch. The suprascapular nerve was seen as a round hyperechoic structure at 4 cm depth beneath the transverse scapular ligament in the scapular notch. The nerve had an approximate diameter of 200 mm. Real-time imaging was used to direct injection in the scapular notch. Ultrasound scanning confirmed local anesthetic spread. Results: The patient’s pain intensity decreased. Shoulder movement and function improved. These improvements were maintained at 12 weeks. Conclusion: Ultrasound guidance does not expose patients and personnel to radiation. It is also less expensive than other imaging modalities. This technique has applications in both acute and chronic pain management. Key words: Technique, visualization, real-time, Ultrasound,nerve, analgesia.

scholarly journals Does Combining a Suprascapular Nerve Block With an Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injection Have an Additive Effect in the Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis? A Comparison of Functional Outcomes After Short-term and Minimum 1-Year Follow-up

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 232596711985927 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tae Wan Jung ◽  
Seung Yeop Lee ◽  
Seul Ki Min ◽  
Sang Min Lee ◽  
Jae Chul Yoo
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Block ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Constant Score ◽  
Corticosteroid Injection ◽  
Adhesive Capsulitis ◽  
Suprascapular Nerve ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Simple Shoulder Test ◽  
Shoulder Range Of Motion ◽  
Suprascapular Nerve Block

Background: No therapeutic intervention is universally accepted as the most effective treatment for adhesive capsulitis. An intra-articular corticosteroid injection (IAI) with a suprascapular nerve block (SSNB), a common treatment for this disease, is a safe and effective method for the resolution of pain and restoration of shoulder range of motion (ROM). Purpose: To compare the efficacy of combined SSNB and IAI with that of IAI alone in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 102 patients with adhesive capsulitis who were treated at an outpatient clinic from July 2016 to January 2017. A combined SSNB with IAI was performed in 48 patients (SSNB + IAI group), and an IAI alone was performed in 54 patients (IAI group). Patients were assessed before the intervention and at 2 weeks and 2 months after the intervention. ROM and pain and function visual analog scales (PVAS and FVAS, respectively), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Korean Shoulder Scoring System (KSS), the Constant score, the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) were used for clinical assessments. PVAS, FVAS, and ASES scores at a minimum of 1 year after the intervention were assessed for 82 patients. Results: At the 2-month assessment, all parameters significantly improved in both the SSNB + IAI and IAI groups ( P < .05), however, improvements in forward flexion (FF) and abduction (ABD) between the 2-week and 2-month assessments were better in the SSNB + IAI group. At the 2-month assessment, improvements in the FVAS, ASES, SST, and SPADI scores and FF and ABD values were statistically significantly greater in the SSNB + IAI group compared with the IAI group. Improvements in FVAS and ASES scores were significantly greater in the SSNB + IAI group at a minimum of 1 year. Conclusion: Both a combined SSNB and IAI and an IAI alone significantly improved pain and functional outcomes in patients with adhesive capsulitis. The use of an SSNB with an IAI further increased treatment efficacy, as per the FVAS, ASES, SST, and SPADI scores and FF and ABD values. Patients who underwent SSNB combined with an IAI showed better improvements in the FVAS and ASES scores compared with IAI alone at a minimum of 1 year after the intervention. Therefore, an SSNB combined with an IAI may be a good treatment choice for adhesive capsulitis.

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