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Effect of pulsed radiofrequency therapy on the suprascapular nerve in shoulder pain of various aetiology

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Abstract

Background

Pulsed radiofrequency treatment (PRF) applied to the suprascapular nerve may provide pain relief for patients suffering from shoulder pain as described in three case series.

Aims

The effect of PRF to the suprascapular nerve was retrospectively analysed on 28 patients with shoulder pain lasting longer than 1 month, with a 6-month follow-up. Group A was treated with PRF and local anaesthetics only while group B was treated with PRF, local anaesthetic and steroid. Pain scores were evaluated before and after the procedure and at 1, 3 and 6 months.

Results

More than 50% of patients in both groups had significant pain relief after 3 months. No major, but only one minor complication occurred.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the analgesic effects of PRF last more than 3 months in the majority of patients. The addition of steroid to the PRF treatment appears to have no benefit.

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Acknowledgments

Many thanks to Oldrich Marek, M.D., Head of Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Teaching Hospital Olomouc, for valuable suggestions and Dr Francis McAleavey from Department of Anaesthetics, Antrim Area Hospital for correction of English language.

Conflict of interest statement

None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Teaching Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic

    T. Gabrhelik & M. Adamus

  2. Department of Anaesthetics, Antrim Area Hospital, Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK

    P. Michalek

  3. Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic

    P. Michalek & L. Dolecek

  4. Department of Physiotherapy and Sport Medicine, Teaching Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic

    M. Mikova

  5. Prilucka 4118, 76001, Zlin, Czech Republic

    T. Gabrhelik

Authors
  1. T. Gabrhelik
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  2. P. Michalek
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  3. M. Adamus
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  4. M. Mikova
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  5. L. Dolecek
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Correspondence to T. Gabrhelik.

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Gabrhelik, T., Michalek, P., Adamus, M. et al. Effect of pulsed radiofrequency therapy on the suprascapular nerve in shoulder pain of various aetiology. Ir J Med Sci 179, 369–373 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0490-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0490-6

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