Suprascapular Nerve Block in the Management of Patients Diagnosed With Adhesive Capsulitis

Plain-language summary

This study aims to compare the efficacy of different suprascapular nerve block techniques in patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis. Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a condition characterized by pain and restricted range of motion in the shoulder joint, significantly affecting quality of life. The suprascapular nerve provides sensory innervation to the shoulder joint; therefore, nerve blockade is frequently used to alleviate pain. However, there are limited studies evaluating the difference in efficacy between proximal and distal suprascapular nerve blocks. In this research, two different blockade techniques-at the suprascapular notch and the spinoglenoid notch-will be compared in patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa between 2024 and 2026. The hypothesis of the study is that the block performed at the spinoglenoid notch provides pain relief comparable to the suprascapular notch block while resulting in less motor blockade. Patients participating in the study will be randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups will receive an intra-articular corticosteroid injection into the shoulder joint, along with cold application, Codman exercises, and standard medical therapy. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations will include pain severity (NRS), shoulder function (Modified Constant Score), muscle strength, and range of motion. The results will reveal which technique provides better improvement in shoulder external rotator and abductor muscle strength, shoulder function, and pain relief, thereby offering valuable insights to guide treatment approaches.

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