Suprascapular nerve block in hemiplegic shoulder pain: comparison of the effectiveness of placebo, local anesthetic, and corticosteroid injections-a randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Shoulder pain is a common complication of hemiplegic patients that can interrupt their rehabilitation program and is associated with poorer outcomes. The usefulness of the suprascapular nerve block. (SSNB) in the stroke population has been suggested, but some concerns still remain.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of SSNB on pain intensity and passive range ofmotion (PROM) in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP).

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective, double blind, randomized controlled trial was conductedin 34 stroke patients with HSP. They were randomly divided into three groups: Localanesthetic (LA) injection into the trapezius muscle (placebo group), LA injection into thesuprascapular notch, and LA and corticosteroid (CS) injections into the suprascapularnotch.The main outcome was visual analog scale (VAS) scores evaluated before andafter administration of the injection at 1 hour, 1 week, and 1 month.

RESULTS

There were significant decreases in the VAS scores with all three injections at all follow-up time points (p: 0.001 for the placebo group, p <0.001 for the LA group, and p <0.001 for the LA+CS group). When changes in VAS scores were compared between the groups, the LA+CS group demonstrated a higher decrease in VAS than the placebo group. Improvement in the PROM was seen only in the LA and LA+CS groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study support the use of an SSNB with or without CS, to increase the range of motion in the affected shoulder, especially during the rehabilitation period.

Suprascapular Neuropathy in Overhead Athletes: A Systematic Review of Aetiology and Treatment Options

Suprascapular neuropathy is often overlooked as a cause for shoulder pain in overhead athletes and can be misdiagnosed for many months, even years. With recent advancements in the understanding of the condition as well as its treatment methods, suprascapular neuropathy is now being diagnosed more frequently. However with a multitude of treatment options, it can be difficult to choose the optimal management. In this systematic review, we have carried out a detailed literature search about suprascapular neuropathy looking into evidence-based diagnostic workup and treatment modalities available. Repetitive overhead activities, rotator cuff tear and direct compression of the nerve by space-occupying lesion are important etiologies for suprascapular neuropathy. Whilst MRI is widely used for the identification of space-occupying lesions and rotator cuff injury; Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) remain gold standards for confirming injury to the nerve. Conservative treatment modalities including physiotherapy and activity modification, nerve blocks, arthroscopic and open surgical interventions are the main treatment options for suprascapular neuropathy.

Ultrasound-Guided Versus Landmark-Based Approach to the Distal Suprascapular Nerve Block: A Comparative Cadaveric Study

PURPOSE

To compare the accuracy of distal suprascapular nerve (dSSN) blockade performed with the use of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (USRA) versus with a landmark-based approach (LBA). A secondary aim was to describe the anatomic features of the sensory branches of the dSSN.

METHODS

USRA and LBA were performed in 15 shoulders each from 15 cadavers (total of 30 shoulders). Then, 10 mL of methylene blue‒infused ropivacaine 0.75% was injected into the dSSN. Simultaneously, 2.5 mL of red latex solution was injected to identify the position of the needle tip. The division and distribution of the sensory branches originating from the SSN were described.

RESULTS

The tip of the needle was identified at 1.3 cm (range, 0-5.2 cm) and 1.5 cm (range, 0-4.5 cm) with USRA and the LBA, respectively (P = .90). Staining diffused past the origin of the most proximal sensory branch in 27 cases. The most proximal sensory branch arose 2.5 cm from the suprascapular notch. Among the 3 failures that occurred in the USRA group, the sensory branches also failed to be marked. All 30 dSSNs gave off 3 sensory branches, which innervated the posterior glenohumeral capsule, the subacromial bursa, and the coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligaments.

CONCLUSIONS

An LBA is as reliable and accurate as US guidance for anesthetic blockade of the dSSN. Marking of the suprascapular nerve must be proximal to the suprascapular notch to involve the 3 sensory branches in the anesthetic blockade.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The present study demonstrates that a landmark-based approach to anesthetic blockade of the distal suprascapular nerve is accurate and can be performed by orthopaedic surgeons lacking experience in ultrasound-guided anesthetic techniques.

Distal suprascapular nerve block-do it yourself: cadaveric feasibility study

BACKGROUND

A bone landmark-based approach (LBA) to the distal suprascapular nerve (dSSN) block is an attractive "low-tech" method available to physicians with no advanced training in regional anesthesia or ultrasound guidance. The primary aim of this study was to validate the feasibility of an LBA to blockade of the dSSN by orthopedic surgeons using anatomic analysis. The secondary aim was to describe the anatomic features of the sensory branches of the dSSN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An LBA was performed in 15 cadaver shoulders by an orthopedic resident. Then, 10 mL of methylene blue-infused 0.75% ropivacaine was injected around the dSSN; 2.5mL of red latex solution was also injected to identify the position of the needle tip. The division and distribution of the sensory branches that originate from the suprascapular nerve were described.

RESULTS

The median distance between the dSSN and the site of injection was 1.5 cm (0-4.5 cm). The most common injection site was at the proximal third of the scapular neck (n = 8). Fifteen dSSNs were stained proximal to the origin of the most proximal sensory branch. All 15 dSSNs gave off 3 sensory branches that innervated the posterior glenohumeral capsule, the subacromial bursa, and the coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligaments.

CONCLUSIONS

An LBA for anesthetic blockade of the dSSN by an orthopedic surgeon is a simple, reliable, and accurate method. Injection close to the suprascapular notch is recommended to involve the dSSN proximally and its 3 sensory branches.

Effects of fluoroscopy-guıded intraartıcular injectıon, suprascapular nerve block, and combınatıon therapy ın hemıplegıc shoulder paın: a prospective double-blınd, randomızed clınıcal study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect and superiority of fluoroscopy-guided intraarticular shoulder injection (IAI), suprascapular nerve block (SSNB), and combination treatment in hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP).

DESIGN

We included 30 patients diagnosed with HSP. Patients were divided into three groups: IAI, SSNB, and combination treatment. Patients were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) prior to the injection and at hour 1, week 2, and month 2 after the injection, with goniometry at two angles at the moment that pain started and maximum passive range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder and Modified Barthel Index prior to the injection, at week 2 and month 2 after the injection.

RESULTS

Significant decrease in the VAS and increase in shoulder passive ROMs were detected at all follow-ups in groups. In comparison, there was no significant difference in VAS scores. Change in the internal rotation at the moment that pain started was found to be higher in the patients treated with the combined method than the other methods. Change in maximum passive ROMs was similar between treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

IAI, SSNB, and the combination treatments are reliable and effective treatment modalities that provide pain relief and an increase in shoulder passive ROMs in HSP.

Suprascapular Nerve Block Versus Interscalene Block as Analgesia After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of suprascapular nerve block (SSB) and interscalene block (ISB) as postoperative analgesia within the first 24 hours after arthroscopic supraspinatus and/or infraspinatus tendon repair.

METHODS

A single-blind, randomized controlled study was performed between 2013 and 2014. The inclusion criteria were arthroscopic supraspinatus and/or infraspinatus tendon repair confirmed intraoperatively, with or without associated procedures, and informed consent. The exclusion criteria were a previously operated shoulder, repair of the subscapularis tendon, and an allergy to local anesthetics. ISB was performed under ultrasound guidance by an anesthesiologist, whereas SSB was performed based on specific anatomic landmarks by a surgeon. The primary evaluation criterion was mean shoulder pain score during the first postoperative 24 hours assessed on a visual analog scale by the patient. The secondary criteria were complications of locoregional anesthesia, the use of analgesics in the recovery room (the first 2 hours) until postoperative day 7, and pain (visual analog scale) during the first week. Forty-four patients were needed for this noninferiority study. An institutional review board approved the study.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients were randomized, and 59 met the intraoperative inclusion criteria. Six patients were excluded (1 for pneumothorax after ISB, 1 for unsuccessful SSB, and 4 for incomplete questionnaires). None of the patients were lost to follow-up. There was no significant difference between the SSB and ISB groups in mean pain score for the first 24 hours (P = .92) or the first 7 days (P = .05). However, there was significantly less pain in the ISB group in the recovery room (P = .01). Consumption of analgesics was comparable between the groups, but the SSB group took significantly more morphine in the recovery room.

CONCLUSIONS

In this prospective, randomized controlled study, SSB was as effective as ISB for mean pain control within the first 24 hours but ISB was more effective in relieving pain in the recovery room after arthroscopic supraspinatus and/or infraspinatus tendon repair.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, therapeutic, randomized controlled study.

MRI appearance of the superior transverse scapular ligament

OBJECTIVE

The superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) forms the roof of the suprascapular notch, which is the most common location of entrapment of the suprascapular nerve, a cause of shoulder pain and weakness. The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of visualization of the STSL on routine shoulder MRIs, to identify the sequences and imaging planes on which it is visualized most frequently, and to describe its typical MRI appearance, none of which have been previously addressed in the radiologic literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred twenty-one consecutive shoulder MRIs were reviewed for the presence or absence of the STSL, including the imaging plane and sequence that best depicted the ligament. Dimensions of the ligament were recorded.

RESULTS

Fifty four of 121 shoulder MRIs were technically adequate for visualization of the STSL, and it was identified on 51 of these studies (94%). There was no statistically significant difference between 1.5-T and 3-T systems. The best individual sequence for visualizing the STSL was the sagittal T1-weighted sequence, in which the STSL was visible on 75/80 technically adequate sequences (94%). The sagittal plane was the best plane for visualizing the STSL, in which it was visible on 65/69 technically adequate studies (94%). The STSL on average measured 12.8 ± 1.5 mm in transverse dimension.

CONCLUSIONS

The STSL can be visualized on the majority of shoulder MRIs and is best seen on sagittal T1-weighted images on our imaging protocol. Evaluation of the STSL can potentially help in identifying pathologic conditions affecting the suprascapular nerve.