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European Radiology

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07-04-2022 | Osteoarthrosis | Musculoskeletal

Ultrasound-guided continuous radiofrequency ablation of the suprascapular nerve for chronic shoulder pain secondary to osteoarthritis: a retrospective cohort study

Authors: Asimenia Mermekli, Priyanka Reddy, David McKean, Hassan Abdelsalam, James Teh, Ramy Mansour

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 9/2022

Abstract

Objectives

The objective of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the use of ultrasound-guided continuous radiofrequency (CRF) lesioning of the suprascapular nerve for treating chronic shoulder pain, due to osteoarthritis. We describe a modified distal and selective ablation technique in the spinoglenoid notch, with motor and sensory stimulation, which protects the motor branch of the nerve from ablation.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of patients, who underwent ultrasound-guided CRF lesioning of the suprascapular nerve from October 2013 to January 2020. During the procedure, the CRF electrode is placed in the spinoglenoid notch, at the distal suprascapular nerve capsular branch. Motor and sensory stimulations are used to confirm the position. CRF lesioning is applied up to three times, at 3 different points, for 1 min each time, at 80^° C.

Results

In total, 127 first CRF suprascapular nerve lesioning procedures were performed on 101 patients with chronic shoulder pain secondary to osteoarthritis. One hundred nineteen diagnostic ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve corticosteroid injections were performed prior to ablation. Mean pre-injection Visual Analogue Scale pain score (VAS) was 8.3, with post-injection VAS score of 4.4 at 24 h and 4.5 at 2 weeks. Mean pre-CRF lesioning VAS pain score was 7.7 with post-CRF lesioning VAS score of 4.4 at 24 h and 4.5 at 2 weeks.

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided CRF lesioning of the suprascapular nerve in the spinoglenoid notch is a safe treatment for chronic osteoarthritic shoulder pain, with repeat treatments infrequently required. It is associated with significant improvement in VAS pain scores.

Key Points

• Ultrasound-guided continuous radiofrequency lesioning of the suprascapular nerve in the spinoglenoid notch is a safe treatment for chronic shoulder pain in degenerative disease, with repeat treatments infrequently required.

• The procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance, without the use of ionising radiation.

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Title: Ultrasound-guided continuous radiofrequency ablation of the suprascapular nerve for chronic shoulder pain secondary to osteoarthritis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Asimenia Mermekli
Priyanka Reddy
David McKean
Hassan Abdelsalam
James Teh
Ramy Mansour
Publication date: 07-04-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Osteoarthrosis
Ultrasound
Osteoarthrosis
Ultrasound
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 9/2022
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-022-08763-x

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Ultrasound-guided continuous radiofrequency ablation of the suprascapular nerve for chronic shoulder pain secondary to osteoarthritis: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

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