Paravertebral Block vs. Suprascapular Block for Treatment of Frozen Shoulder

Paravertebral Block Versus Suprascapular Block for Treatment of Frozen Shoulder: a Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is a major orthopedic condition that causes pain and functional limitation. Although different nonsurgical conservative therapies such as physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections have been used, yet there is no standard treatment for frozen shoulder.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of nerve stimulator guided paravertebral block versus suprascapular block for treatment of frozen shoulder. The primary outcome is pain measured through the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) over a follow up period of 6 months.

Methods: This is a prospective randomized clinical trial that will be conducted between February 2021 and January 2022. Patients will be randomly allocated into two groups. Group I will receive paravertebral block guided by a nerve stimulator. Group II patients will receive suprascapular nerve block. Patients will be followed up at week 1, month 1, month 3 and month 6.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years and older
• presenting with frozen shoulder and were unresponsive to conservative therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Complete rotator cuff tear
• Osteoarthritis
• Calcified tendinitis
• History of shoulder joint injury
• Cervical radiculopathy
• Bleeding disorder
• Active infection
• Allergy to Bupivacaine
• Diabetes Mellitus