A Randomized Comparative Cohort Study of Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injection Versus Suprascapular Nerve Block for Shoulder Pain Treatment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two types of conservative pain relief methods for patients with glenohumeral arthritis or rotator cuff arthropathy who are poor candidates for surgery or prefer not to undergo surgery. The study compares intraarticular corticosteroid injections and suprascapular nerve blocks as options for managing shoulder pain in this population. This randomized, double-masked study is sponsored by the University of Minnesota and aims to understand which treatment better helps reduce pain and improve shoulder function. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either an intraarticular corticosteroid injection or a suprascapular nerve block. The corticosteroid injection involves ultrasound-guided injection of methylprednisolone acetate directly into the shoulder joint. The suprascapular nerve block uses ultrasound guidance to inject a mixture of bupivacaine and triamcinolone near the suprascapular nerve to block pain signals. Both procedures are performed while the patient is seated and use ultrasound for precise delivery. During the study, participants will have their pain and shoulder function assessed before treatment and at multiple time points after intervention: 24 hours, 3 days, 1 month, and 3 months. Measurements include the visual analog scale for pain, single assessment numerical evaluation, Oxford shoulder score, and American shoulder and elbow surgeons score. These assessments help researchers compare the effects of the two treatments over time. The total study participation period extends up to 3 months post-intervention for each patient.

Corticosteroid Injection Versus Nerve Block