Intra-articular corticosteroid injections versus pulsed radiofrequency in painful shoulder: a prospective, randomized, single-blinded study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Chronic shoulder pain treatment is known to be a difficult and long process. The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of intra-articular corticosteroid injection and pulse radiofrequency (PRF) applied to the suprascapular nerve in patients with shoulder pain.

METHODS:

Fifty patients with shoulder pain were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated into group 1 (intra-articular injection of corticosteroid) and group 2 (PRF to the suprascapular nerve). Outcome measures included a pain scale (visual analog scale; VAS), range of motion, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), the Short Form-36, Beck Depression Scale questionnaires, and paracetamol consumption.

RESULTS:

In both groups, significant improvement was observed in all weeks in VAS, range of motion (active-passive), and SPADI subscores (P<0.05). Improvement was detected in most of the Short Form-36 scores at the end of the treatment in both groups (P<0.05), whereas no significant change was observed in Beck Depression Inventory score (P>0.05). When the groups were compared, a significant difference was found between the groups in favor of group 1 in terms of VAS at night in weeks 1, 4, and 12; VAS at rest in weeks 1 and 4; and VAS during movement in week 1 (P<0.05). There was also a significant difference in favor of group 1 observed in weeks 1, 4, and 12 in SPADI pain and total subscores (P<0.05). Paracetamol consumption was observed to be lower in group 1 (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Intra-articular injection of corticosteroid and PRF applied to the suprascapular nerve are effective in the treatment of painful shoulder. When 2 treatments are compared, it may be concluded that intra-articular steroid injection was more effective especially in the first weeks regarding pain than the PRF. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in the prospective treatment guidelines.

• Authors: Can Eyigor, Sibel Eyigor, Onur K Korkmaz, Meltem Uyar
• Journal: The Clinical journal of pain (Clin J Pain) Vol. 26 Issue 5 Pg. 386-92 (Jun 2010) ISSN: 1536-5409 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20473045 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones

Topics

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Injections, Intra-Articular
• Male
• Nerve Block (methods)
• Pain Measurement
• Prospective Studies
• Range of Motion, Articular
• Severity of Illness Index
• Shoulder Joint (physiopathology)
• Shoulder Pain (therapy)
• Single-Blind Method
• Treatment Outcome