Notch vs Midpoint Suprascapular Nerve PRF for Chronic Shoulder Pain
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age40-80
SponsorAnkara City Hospital Bilkent
About this trial
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.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Patients aged between 40 and 80 years
Patients with chronic shoulder pain lasting longer than 3 months
Patients diagnosed with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain
Patients who show at least 50% pain reduction after diagnostic suprascapular nerve block
Disqualifiers
Adhesive capsulitis
Previous shoulder surgery
Full-thickness rotator cuff tear
Neurological disorders affecting the shoulder
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Notch Approach)
Procedure/SurgeryUnder ultrasound guidance, a radiofrequency needle will be positioned adjacent to the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch. Sensory stimulation at 50 Hz and motor stimulation at 2 Hz will be performed to confirm appropriate needle placement. Pulsed radiofrequency will then be applied at 42°C for three cycles of 120 seconds.
PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Midpoint Approach)
Procedure/SurgeryUnder ultrasound guidance, a radiofrequency needle will be positioned adjacent to the suprascapular nerve at the midpoint between the suprascapular notch and the spinoglenoid notch. Sensory stimulation at 50 Hz and motor stimulation at 2 Hz will be performed to confirm appropriate needle placement. Pulsed radiofrequency will then be applied at 42°C for three cycles of 120 seconds.
Treatment groups
32 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Suprascapular Notch PRFExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Midpoint PRFExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Isokinetic Shoulder Abduction Peak Torque
Isokinetic peak torque of shoulder abduction will be measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (ISOMED 2000). Measurements will be performed to evaluate changes in muscle strength.
Time frame
Baseline and 3 monthsSecondary outcomes
1
Pain Intensity (NPRS)
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Time frame
Baseline, 24 hours, 1 month, and 3 months2
Shoulder Function (SPADI)
Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) will be used to assess pain and functional status. SPADI is a validated questionnaire consisting of 13 items with a total score ranging from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate greater pain and disability (worse outcome).
Time frame
Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months3
Supraspinatus and Infraspinatus Muscle Thickness
Muscle thickness will be measured using ultrasonography to evaluate structural changes in the rotator cuff muscles.
Time frame
Baseline and 3 months4
Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM)
Shoulder joint range of motion will be measured using a goniometer.
Time frame
Baseline and 3 monthsSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov