Does Combining a Suprascapular Nerve Block With an Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injection Have an Additive Effect in the Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis? A Comparison of Functional Outcomes After Short-term and Minimum 1-Year Follow-up

A high level of scientific evidence is available to guide treatment of primary shoulder stiffness: The SIAGASCOT consensus

PURPOSE

Shoulder stiffness (SS) is a condition characterised by active and passive restricted glenohumeral range of motion, which can occur spontaneously in an idiopathic manner or be associated with a known underlying aetiology. Several treatment options are available and currently no consensus has been obtained on which treatment algorithm represents the best choice for the patient. Herein we present the results of a national consensus on the treatment of primary SS.

METHODS

The project followed the modified Delphi consensus process, involving a steering, a rating and a peer-review group. Sixteen questions were generated and subsequently answered by the steering group after a thorough literature search. A rating group composed by professionals specialised in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder pathologies rated the question-answer sets according to the scientific evidence and their clinical experience.

RESULTS

Recommendations were rated with an average of 8.4 points out of maximum 9 points. None of the 16 answers received a rating of less than 8 and all the answers were considered as appropriate. The majority of responses were assessed as Grade A, signifying a substantial availability of scientific evidence to guide treatment and support recommendations encompassing diagnostics, physiotherapy, electrophysical agents, oral and injective medical therapies, as well as surgical interventions for primary SS.

CONCLUSIONS

A consensus regarding the conservative and surgical treatment of primary SS could be achieved at a national level. This consensus sets basis for evidence-based clinical practice in the management of primary SS and can serve as a model for similar initiatives and adaptable guidelines in other European countries and potentially on a global scale.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I.

Evidence for Combining Conservative Treatments for Adhesive Capsulitis

Background: Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a challenge to treat clinically. Common first-line treatment options are suprascapular nerve block (SSNB), intra-articular corticosteroid (IACS) injection, hydrodilatation, and physical therapy. This literature review summarizes each of these conservative treatments and discusses the evidence base for combining treatment options for potential additive benefits to improve patient outcomes (ie, pain, range of motion [ROM], and shoulder function). Methods: The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched using the search terms "adhesive capsulitis," "frozen shoulder," "corticosteroids," "physical therapy," "suprascapular nerve block," "hydrodilatation," and "conservative care." Pertinent articles were identified and synthesized to provide a comprehensive review of 4 common conservative treatments for adhesive capsulitis. Results: Combining SSNB with physical therapy and/or IACS injection and combining IACS injection with physical therapy have support in the literature for improving shoulder pain, ROM, and function, while hydrodilatation and physical therapy seem to offer some additive benefits for improving shoulder ROM when used as adjunct treatments for adhesive capsulitis. Conclusion: Adhesive capsulitis remains a challenge to treat clinically with much still unknown regarding treatment optimization. For the foreseeable future, first-line conservative management will continue to be the mainstay of managing adhesive capsulitis. Thus, knowing how to best use and optimize these various options-both individually and in combination-is vital for effective treatment.

Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a common debilitating disorder characterized by shoulder pain and progressive loss of shoulder movement. Frozen shoulder is frequently associated with other systemic conditions or occurs following periods of immobilization, and has a protracted clinical course, which can be frustrating for patients as well as health-care professionals. Frozen shoulder is characterized by fibroproliferative tissue fibrosis, whereby fibroblasts, producing predominantly type I and type III collagen, transform into myofibroblasts (a smooth muscle phenotype), which is accompanied by inflammation, neoangiogenesis and neoinnervation, resulting in shoulder capsular fibrotic contractures and the associated clinical stiffness. Diagnosis is heavily based on physical examination and can be difficult depending on the stage of disease or if concomitant shoulder pathology is present. Management consists of physiotherapy, therapeutic modalities such as steroid injections, anti-inflammatory medications, hydrodilation and surgical interventions; however, their effectiveness remains unclear. Facilitating translational science should aid in development of novel therapies to improve outcomes among individuals with this debilitating condition.

Randomized controlled trial of suprascapular nerve blocks for subacute adhesive capsulitis

BACKGROUND

Shoulder pain and loss of function remain a therapeutic challenge in adhesive capsulitis. Suprascapular nerve blocks, a common treatment in adhesive capsulitis, are considered a safe and effective method for the resolution of pain and restoration of shoulder range of motion (ROM). To our knowledge, no data are available on the use of suprascapular nerve blocks in adhesive capsulitis in the subacute phase.

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve blocks versus saline injections for treating adhesive capsulitis in the subacute phase.

DESIGN

Randomized double-blinded controlled trial; level of evidence 2.

SETTING

Out-patient consultation of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine in a general hospital.

POPULATION

Thirty-five patients with subacute adhesive capsulitis.

METHODS

Patients were randomly allocated to receive either 3 successive (1-week interval) ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve blocks with ropivacaine 5 mL 2 mg/mL (intervention group) or ultrasound-guided injections of 5 mL sterile saline solution (NaCl 0.9%) (control group), at the floor of the suprascapular fossa. Primary outcome was shoulder function assessed by the Constant-Murley Score. Secondary outcomes were shoulder ROM and shoulder pain intensity. Assessments were performed before each injection and 4 weeks after the last injection.

RESULTS

A significant increase of Constant-Murley Score (P<0.001), increase of shoulder ROM (all directions: P<0.011) and decrease of pain (P<0.001), were observed over time in both study groups. However, no significant differences were observed between the intervention and the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Three successive suprascapular nerve blocks did not provide a better outcome than saline injections on shoulder function, ROM, and pain in subacute adhesive capsulitis. These negative findings warrant some considerations on the natural history of adhesive capsulitis, as well as timing, type, and placebo effects of injections.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

The current place of suprascapular nerve blocks in the treatment strategy of adhesive capsulitis needs to be rediscussed.

Clinical implications of the distinct anatomy and innervation of the long head biceps tendon

The proximal long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) has been recognized as a well-known cause of anterior shoulder pain. Previous studies have identified a heterogeneous distribution of nerve fibers in the tendon, with a higher abundance of fibers in the proximal and distal thirds of the tendon. This suggests that the proximal portion of the long head biceps tendon may have a different source of innervation than the distal portion. The purpose of this study was to review the innervation of the superior shoulder and identify the proximal source of sensory innervation of the LHBT. The relevant hypothesis was that the suprascapular nerve (SSN) was the proximal source of sensory innervation to the LHBT. Gross and microdissection of eight fresh human cadaver shoulders were performed, with a focus on the distal articular branches of suprascapular nerve (SSN). Utilizing 3.5× magnification loupes, the medial subacromial branch (MSAb), lateral subacromial branch (LSAb), and posterior glenohumeral branch (PGHb) were identified and followed distally to their terminal branches. In all specimens, terminal branches of the lateral subacromial branch supplied the proximal LHBT and the superior labrum. Terminal branches of the posterior glenohumeral branch supplied the posterosuperior labrum and, to a lesser extent, the labral attachment of the LHBT. These findings confirm branches of the suprascapular nerve as the proximal source of sensory innervation to the LHBT. Identification of the suprascapular nerve as a source of proximal innervation of the LHBT may influence clinical decisions related to nonsurgical and surgical intervention, nerve blocks, and nerve ablation procedures.

The role of suprascapular nerve block in hydrodilatation for frozen shoulder

Introduction: Frozen shoulder is a debilitating problem that requires comprehensive diagnosis and management. Patients usually recover, but the possibility of not reobtaining a full range of motion exists. Thus, early shoulder exercises are necessary to achieve their full range of motion. This study aims to understand the effects of suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) augmentation at the spinoglenoid notch in hydrodilatation to treat frozen shoulder to facilitate early shoulder exercises. Methods: The current study retrospectively observed 31 patients, including 40–60-year-old patients diagnosed and treated with primary frozen shoulder. The participants were divided into groups A (hydrodilatation) and B (hydrodilatation and the augmentation of an SSNB). Shoulder function and pain scores were assessed before, during, and after the intervention (at months 1 and 6). Results: The result of this study shows that suprascapular nerve block plays a role in decreasing pain in intraintervention (0.69 vs. 5.73; p < 0.05), month 1 of follow-up (3.44 vs. 6.40; p < 0.05), but not significant on month 6 of group A and B after intervention (5.88 vs. 7.20; p > 0.05). Better delta functional scores were noted in the therapy group during month 1 of the follow-up (delta American shoulder and elbow surgeons [ASES]: 19.29 vs. 34.40, p < 0.05; delta disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand [DASH]: 17.88 vs. 38.15, p < 0.05). The difference in functional score on month 6 between both groups was not significantly different (delta ASES: 31.97 vs. 30.31, p > 0.05; delta DASH: 36.63 vs. 38.92, p > 0.05). Discussion: One rationale for using an SSNB augmentation at spinoglenoid notch in hydrodilatation for treating frozen shoulder was to obtain pain relief immediately to facilitate early manual exercise. SSNB has positive effects on short-term evaluation of shoulder pain and function after glenohumeral hydrodilatation, but not in the long term.

The Impact of Suprascapular Nerve Interventions in Patients with Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Frozen shoulder is a common condition resulting in severe pain and restricted range of motion. An assessment of the effectiveness of interventions may provide an improved understanding of the development and management of frozen shoulder.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using Embase, the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and National Center for Biotechnology Information PubMed using relevant terms. Studies were included if they assessed the outcomes of interventions on the suprascapular nerve that aim to improve the symptoms of frozen shoulder.

RESULTS

A database search returned 196 articles. After review, 9 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Suprascapular nerve interventions (nerve block, pulsed radiofrequency lesioning) are associated with improvement in pain, motion, and function. Meta-analysis showed that pain (Hedges g, -3.084 [95% confidence interval (CI), -4.273 to -1.894]; p < 0.001) and range of motion (Hedges g, 2.204 [95% CI, 0.992 to 3.415]; p < 0.001) improved significantly following suprascapular nerve block (SSNB).

CONCLUSIONS

SSNB is associated with significant improvements in shoulder pain and range of motion in patients with frozen shoulder. Further randomized controlled trials comparing SSNB with intra-articular injection and other nonoperative treatments are required to fully define its role in the management of frozen shoulder.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Bilateral suprascapular notches are asymmetrically shaped in a third of the Asian population

PURPOSE

The side-to-side differences within an individual's suprascapular notch (SSN) and the clinical characteristics of an ossified superior transverse scapular ligament are unclear. Therefore, the morphological asymmetry of the SSN was investigated, and the factors associated with the ossification of the superior transverse scapular ligament were analyzed.

METHODS

Two hundred and seventy-six computed tomography images were retrospectively analyzed, which included those of both scapulae of Asian patients (mean age, 62.1 ± 19.1 years; males, 197) with high-energy injuries or respiratory diseases. Variations in the SSN were classified into six types based on Rengachary's classification using reconstructed three-dimensional computed tomography. The group with a type VI SSN (completely ossified superior transverse scapular ligament) in at least one scapula was compared with the other group for age, sex, and chronic comorbidities.

RESULTS

Among 276 patients, 95 (34.4%) had asymmetric SSNs and 15 (5.4%) had type VI SSNs. There were no significant differences in age, sex, or comorbidities between both the groups. However, on comparing age groups, the prevalence of type VI SSN was higher in patients aged > 70 years than in those aged < 70 years. Fifteen patients had type VI SSNs, which were unilateral in 10 patients.

CONCLUSION

Asymmetric SSNs were observed in a third of the Asian patients. There were variations in SSNs between individuals and also within an individual. In the cases with suprascapular nerve paralysis, the difference in SSN morphology compared to a healthy side should be considered.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

A systematic review of the methods and drugs used for performing suprascapular nerve block injections for the non-surgical management of chronic shoulder pain

Suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) injections are growing in popularity as a treatment option for people with chronic shoulder pain. The optimal method of injection and aftercare is unknown. This review describes the current methods and drugs used for performing SSNB injections in the non-surgical management of adults with chronic shoulder pain in order to inform future research in this area. Systematic searches of CINAHL, MEDLINE (OVID), AMED, Embase databases and the Cochrane Library were undertaken from inception to June 2020. Data on the method and drugs used for injection and aftercare were extracted and summarised for areas of commonality and discrepancy. We included 53 studies in this review. In total, eight different injection methods were reported within the included studies. Indirect surface land-marked methods were the most common method reported in 21 studies. Direct surface land-marked methods were reported in 12 studies. Ultrasound-guided methods used alone were reported in 16 studies. Both fluoroscopy and computed tomography methods used alone were reported in one study each. Electromyography was used in combination with other injection methods in nine studies. Wide variation in the composition of the injectate was observed between studies. Local anaesthetic was used within injectate preparations in all studies. Local anaesthetic used alone was reported in 20 studies, combined with steroid in 29 studies and combined with various other components in 5 studies. Physiotherapy following injection was reported in 26 studies. Reported details of physiotherapy varied considerably. This review identified substantial variation in the methods and drugs used to perform SSNB injection in clinical trials. Current literature demonstrates a wide range of methods used for SSNB injection administration. Consensus research defining standardised practice for SSNB injection is now needed to guide future clinical practice and research.

How to Assess Shoulder Functionality: A Systematic Review of Existing Validated Outcome Measures

The objective of this review was to compile validated functional shoulder assessment tools and analyse the methodological quality of their validations. Secondarily, we aimed to provide a comparison of the tools, including parameter descriptions, indications/applications, languages and operating instructions, to choose the most suitable for future clinical and research approaches. A systematic review (PRISMA) was conducted using: PubMed, WoS Scopus, CINHAL, Dialnet and reference lists until 2020. The main criteria for inclusion were that papers were original studies of validated tools or validation studies. Pre-established tables showed tools, validations, items/components, etc. The QUADAS-2 and COSMIN-RB were used to assess the methodological quality of validations. Ultimately, 85 studies were selected, 32 tools and 111 validations. Risk of bias scored lower than applicability, and patient selection got the best scores (QUADAS-2). Internal consistency had the highest quality and PROMs development the lowest (COSMIN-RB). Responsiveness was the most analysed metric property. Modified UCLA and SST obtained the highest quality in shoulder instability surgery, and SPADI in pain. The most approached topic was activities of daily living (81%). We compiled 32 validated functional shoulder assessment tools, and conducted an analysis of the methodological quality of 111 validations associated with them. Modified UCLA and SST showed the highest methodological quality in instability surgery and SPADI in pain.

The synergistic effects of applying pulsed radiofrequency lesioning of the suprascapular nerve plus physical therapy on pain and function in patients with adhesive capsulitis: A protocol of a prospective, randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

To our knowledge, there have been no published clinical trials to assess the synergistic effects of applying pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) stimulation of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) plus physical therapy on pain and function in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Therefore, we will conduct this present randomized, double-blind study to evaluate the synergistic effects of applying PRF stimulation of the SSN plus physical therapy on pain and function in patients with adhesive capsulitis.

METHODS

The study protocol is a randomized, controlled, double-blind design. Recruitment will be started in March 2021 and completed in October 2022. The treating surgeon will assess 90 patients for eligibility. The study protocol was approved through Institutional Review Board in the People's Hospital of Beilun district of Ningbo. Each patient will be randomized into 3 treatment groups, receiving PRF stimulation of the SSN or physical therapy or both of them. After baseline examination, all patients will be given a full explanation of the treatment protocol and will be required to sign a written informed consent for study participation and for publication of the results. All the data collectors, surgeons, statistical analysts, as well as result assessors are not aware of grouping assignment. The outcomes include Constant score, visual analog scale score, range of motion, and strength.

RESULTS

This protocol will provide a reliable theoretical basis for the following research.

CONCLUSION

It is assumed that there will be a remarkable difference in postoperative outcomes between the intervention and control groups.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

10.17605/OSF.IO/PZ9ES.

Proximal vs Distal Approach of Ultrasound-guided Suprascapular Nerve Block for Patients With Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the early clinical outcomes of ultrasound (US)-guided suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) using a proximal approach compared with a distal approach for outpatient treatment of adhesive capsulitis.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Outpatient clinic PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=47) with symptomatic adhesive capsulitis.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomly assigned to either US-guided SSNB using a proximal approach (n=23, proximal group) or a distal approach (n=24, distal group).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain at week 12. Secondary outcomes included the American Shoulder Elbow Surgeon's (ASES) score, University California Los Angeles score, Short Form-36 mental and physical component summaries, and range of motion. All patients completed clinical follow-up at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after treatment. On US images, depth and insertion angle of needle during injection were measured.

RESULTS

The VAS significantly improved in both groups at week 12. After treatment, no significant differences were found in early clinical outcomes (weeks 2, 6, and 12) between groups (all P>.05), except that ASES at 2 weeks showed a significantly higher score in the distal group than in the proximal group (87.1±4.8 and 83.0±6.3, respectively; P=.014). The mean depth and insertion angle of needle was significantly lower (depth: 13.4±3.9 and 30.6±4.3 mm, respectively; P<.001; insertion angle: 19.6°±6.4° and 38.7°±5.8°; P<.001) in the proximal group than in the distal group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that proximal approach of US-guided SSNB provided favorable short-term outcomes of pain and functional improvement and that outcomes were comparable to those of the distal approach in adhesive capsulitis. The suprascapular nerve was located more superficially and easily identified in the proximal approach, suggesting that this method might improve the accuracy of injection.

A Comprehensive Update of Adhesive Capsulitis and Minimally Invasive Treatment Options

Background

Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (AC) is characterized by fibrosis and contracture of the glenohumeral joint capsule, resulting in progressive stiffness, pain, and restriction of motion of the shoulder. The prevalence of AC is estimated to be 2-5% of the general population. Patients with AC typically have an insidious onset of pain and can progress to severe limitation of the shoulder leading to significant disability and decreased quality of life.

Objectives

The objective of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of AC with a focus on clinical presentation, natural history, pathophysiology, and various treatment modalities.

Study Design

A review article.

Setting

A review of literature.

Methods

A search was made on the Pubmed database using the keywords of adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder, shoulder capsulitis, arthrofibrosis, shoulder pain, shoulder stiffness.

Results

Our search identified numerous studies in order to provide a comprehensive review of the current understanding of the treatment and management of AC.

Limitations

There remains limited evidence in literature about the understanding of AC and optimal treatment.

Conclusion

AC is an important cause of chronic pain and disability. There is currently no consensus on treatment. Initial treatment modalities revolve around conservative measures as well as aggressive physical therapy. Further treatment options include intraarticular injections, hydro-dilation, nerve blocks, and for more refractory cases, surgical interventions such as arthroscopic capsulotomy.