Pulsed radiofrequency of suprascapular nerve versus radiofrequency ablation of articular branches of the shoulder for intractable shoulder pain: a randomized controlled study

BackgroundChronic shoulder pain is frequent in the community and can cause considerable functional impairment. The suprascapular nerve (SSN) is responsible for approximately 70% of the sensory innervation to the shoulder joint.Objectives: This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the SSN with thermal radiofrequency ablation of the articular branches of the shoulder among patients with persistent shoulder pain.Methods 82 patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups; group PRF included patients who underwent pulsed radiofrequency of the suprascapular nerve, and group TRF included patients who underwent thermal radiofrequency ablation of articular terminal branches of 3 main shoulder nerves with guidance of the C-arm combined with ultrasound. Results There was a significant decrease in VAS scores in both groups compared with baseline scores at 1, 3, and 6 months follow-up (P=