Multiple versus single ultrasound guided suprascapular nerve block in treatment of frozen shoulder in diabetic patients

Abstract

Background: Suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) is used in the management of frozen shoulder. There are no evidences from the literature that can determine how many blocks and the interval between them.

Objective: To compare between single and multiple (nine) SSNB in the treatment of diabetic frozen shoulder.

Methods: Ninety six patients with Type 2 diabetic and a frozen shoulder divided into 2 equal groups. Patients in group1 were subjected to single SSNB. Patients in group 2 were subjected to multiple (nine) SSNB. Participants were assessed clinically and by ultrasound at baseline and after 3 weeks and 4 months.

Results: After 3 weeks, there was a significant improvement of all clinical & ultrasound parameters in both groups. But the improvement in group 2 was significantly better than the improvement in group 1. Also after 4 months, all parameters in both groups showed a further improvement in comparison with the base line parameters but still there was a highly significant improvement in group 2 versus group1.

Conclusion: A course of multiple (nine) injections for suprascapular nerve block gave a better outcome than a single injection for suprascapular nerve block.

Keywords: Ultrasound; diabetic patients; frozen shoulder; suprascapular nerve block.