CompletedNot Applicable

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Ultrasonography-Guided Pulsed Radiofrequency to the Suprascapular Nerve in the Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis in Elderly Patients

Turkey (Türkiye)32 participantsStarted 2025-06-01

Plain-language summary

Adhesive Capsulitis (AC) is a condition that restricts the passive and active range of motion of the shoulder joint, impairing quality of life and activities. AC, which can be progressive and last a long time, is also called "frozen shoulder." The incidence of AC is 2-4% in the normal patient population. This rate varies between 10-30% in diabetic patients. The limitation and pain in AC joint range of motion (ROM) can last up to 3 years. There is no clear data on its prevalence in elderly patients. Its etiopathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Fibrotic contractures form in the joint capsule. Diabetes, female gender, autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, immobilization, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and advanced age are among the risk factors . AC is often diagnosed by physical examination and exclusion of other joint pathologies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be helpful in diagnosis . Physical therapy, medical, interventional methods, and surgery are used in the treatment of AC. In physical therapy, exercises and modalities aimed at increasing ROM are used, while medical treatment includes oral analgesics, myorelaxants, and topical analgesics. Effective treatment options include intra-articular steroid injections and radiofrequency applications for blocking the suprascapular nerve (SN). The SN originates from the ventral branches of the C5-C6 brachial plexus. It is responsible for 70% of the shoulder innervation, particularly to the shoulder joint and capsule, and the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ). It provides motor innervation to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. NS block or radiofrequency applications are frequently used in the treatment of pain in shoulder joint pathologies, impingement syndrome, and ACJ pathologies. Previously, conventional radiofrequency applied at high temperatures had destructive effects on the nerve. While conventional methods are currently used in some cases, pulsed radiofrequency is effectively applied at lower temperatures, particularly to prevent motor damage . In this study, we aimed to present the effectiveness of pulsed radiofrequency (SS-PRF) application to the suprascapular nerve in a difficult and challenging patient group (elderly patients) in AC, a difficult disease to treat.

Who can participate

Age range

65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients over the age of 65 who were diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis through clinical physical examination and imaging and who underwent shoulder SS-PRF. * Patients with complete data to be scanned in their files. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with a history of shoulder surgery, * shoulder impingement syndrome, osteoarthritis, or other primary shoulder pathologies that could explain shoulder pain, * patients who received shoulder injections within the last 3 months, * patients with psychosis, * patients with pacemakers (ICDs), patients with decompensated chronic diseases, * patients with bleeding disorders, * patients with active malignancy or infection, * patients with advanced cervical disc herniation, * patients with allergies to the medications to be administered, * patients who could not be communicated with, and patients who did not accept the procedure were excluded from the study.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

numerical rating scale (NRS-11)

Timeframe: 12 weeks

shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI)

Timeframe: 12 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07088562

SponsorKanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2025-08-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Capsulitis, Adhesive trials