Ultrasound-Guided Proximal Suprascapular Nerve Block With Radiofrequency Lesioning for Patients With Malignancy-Associated Recalcitrant Shoulder Pain.

Abstract

The classic suprascapular nerve block has limitations, such as postural requirements and lack of direct nerve visualization. This series investigated the analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular suprascapular nerve blocks in patients with malignancy-associated shoulder pain. Ablative radiofrequency lesioning of the suprascapular nerve in 6 patients provided substantial pain relief. The mean distance from the suprascapular nerve to the brachial plexus was 8.05 mm, and the mean angle of needle entry was 20.6°. This approach appears to be effective in relieving malignancy-associated shoulder pain and is tolerated by patients unable to sit or lie prone.

• Authors: Ke-Vin Chang, Chen-Yu Hung, Tyng-Guey Wang, Rong-Sen Yang, Wei-Zen Sun, Chih-Peng Lin
• Journal: Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (J Ultrasound Med) Vol. 34 Issue 11 Pg. 2099-105 (Nov 2015) ISSN: 1550-9613 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 26453125 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2015 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

Topics

• Aged
• Catheter Ablation (methods)
• Combined Modality Therapy (methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasms (complications, diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Nerve Block (methods)
• Neurosurgical Procedures (methods)
• Pain Measurement
• Shoulder Pain (diagnosis, etiology, prevention & control)
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultrasonography, Interventional (methods)