Notch vs Midpoint Suprascapular Nerve PRF for Chronic Shoulder Pain

Overview

This study aims to compare the effects of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment of the suprascapular nerve using suprascapular notch and midpoint approaches on pain, shoulder function, and muscle strength in patients with chronic shoulder pain due to rotator cuff tendinopathy. Patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups. Clinical evaluations will include pain assessment using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), functional assessment using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and quality of life assessment using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). In addition, shoulder range of motion will be measured goniometrically, muscle thickness of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus will be evaluated by ultrasonography, and shoulder muscle strength will be assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Assessments will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, 1 month, and 3 months after the intervention. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the optimal approach for PRF treatment of the suprascapular nerve in patients with chronic shoulder pain.

Chronic shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that significantly affects daily activities and quality of life. Rotator cuff tendinopathy is one of the most frequent causes of chronic shoulder pain. The suprascapular nerve plays a key role in shoulder pain transmission, and pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the suprascapular nerve has emerged as an effective minimally invasive treatment option. Different anatomical approaches have been described for suprascapular nerve interventions, including the suprascapular notch and midpoint approaches. However, there is limited evidence comparing the clinical and functional outcomes of these approaches. The aim of this prospective, randomized study is to compare the effects of PRF applied to the suprascapular nerve via suprascapular notch and midpoint approaches in patients with chronic shoulder pain due to rotator cuff tendinopathy. Patients will be randomly allocated into two groups according to the intervention approach. Clinical evaluations will include pain assessment using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), functional evaluation using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and quality of life assessment using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). In addition, shoulder range of motion will be measured goniometrically. Muscle thickness of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus will be assessed using ultrasonography, and shoulder muscle strength will be evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer. Assessments will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, 1 month, and 3 months following the intervention. The primary outcome of the study is the change in shoulder muscle strength, while secondary outcomes include pain, functional status, and muscle thickness. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the literature by identifying the optimal anatomical approach for suprascapular nerve PRF in the management of chronic shoulder pain.