Suprascapular nerve block is faster and as effective as hydrodistension in relieving frozen shoulder-associated pain and disability: A prospective, single-blind observational study with a follow-up of 24 weeks.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hydrodistension (HD) and suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) have been shown to reduce pain and improve shoulder function in frozen shoulder (FS). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of HD and SSNB in the treatment of idiopathic FS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational study. A total of 65 patients with FS were treated with SSNB or HD. The functional outcome was evaluated by Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score and active shoulder range of motion (ROM) measured at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Parametric data were analyzed using an independent sample T-test. Nonparametric data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon test. A P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULT: At the end of 24 weeks, the two-group improved significantly from the baseline and the improvement was comparable between the two groups. ROM also improved significantly in both groups. At 2nd week, SPADI score was significantly less in SSNB group ( P < 0.05). About 43% of patients considered HD extremely painful.

CONCLUSION: Both HD and SSNB are almost equally effective in reducing pain and improving shoulder function. However, SSNB leads to a faster improvement.