Compare the Effect of Intra-Articular Steroid Injection vs Suprascapular Nerve Block in Managing Frozen Shoulder

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of intra-articular steroid injection vs ultrasound guided suprascapular nerve block in managing frozen shoulder, with a focus on alleviating shoulder pain, disability, and range of motion.

Methodology: This comparative randomized clinical study was done at orthopedic department of Rawal Institute of Health Sciences, Islamabad between January and June 2024. Total 72 patients consecutively with frozen shoulder, age range was 18 years and above, of both genders, experiencing diffuse shoulder pain for ? 4 weeks, and with clinically confirmed frozen shoulder, were included. Patients were randomly and equally assigned to two groups (each, n = 36): Group-A received intra-articular steroid injections (IASI), while Group-B underwent suprascapular nerve block (SSNB). Data were gathered based on range of motion (ROM), and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score.

Results:  Patients average age was 56.6±5.8 years, and there were 38 (52.8%) males and 34 (47.2%) females. The means of ROM and SPADI score were comparable between the two group at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Similarly, mean disability index in Group B was significant low as compare to Group A (p < 0.05). External rotation mean at baseline was same between the groups. 1st, 4th, and 8th weeks post intervention, external rotation mean was significant high in Group B compared to Group A (p < 0.05). Similarly, abduction mean was significant high in Group B at 4th week and 8th week post-intervention (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: It is concluded that ultrasound guided suprascapular nerve block is more effective than intra-articular steroid injections in managing frozen shoulder.