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Suprascapular Nerve Block to Improve Tolerance and Outcomes of Shoulder Hydrodistension in Adhesive Capsulitis
Sponsor: Universidade do Porto
Summary
Adhesive capsulitis ("frozen shoulder") causes significant pain and loss of shoulder mobility. Shoulder hydrodistension is an established treatment that can improve movement and reduce symptoms, but the procedure itself may be painful and difficult for some patients to tolerate. This randomized clinical trial will evaluate whether performing a suprascapular nerve block with local anesthetic immediately before hydrodistension can reduce pain during the procedure, improve patient comfort, and potentially enhance clinical outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: hydrodistension alone, or suprascapular nerve block followed by hydrodistension. Pain, shoulder mobility, functional ability, psychological measures, and quality of life will be assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure. The study aims to determine whether adding a suprascapular nerve block provides better tolerability and improved recovery for patients with adhesive capsulitis.
Official title: Efficacy of Suprascapular Nerve Block on the Tolerability and Effectiveness of Shoulder Hydrodistension in Patients With Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
50
Start Date
2026-03-01
Completion Date
2028-07-31
Last Updated
2026-02-02
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Shoulder Hydrodistention
Shoulder hydrodistension is performed using an anterior intra-articular approach. The procedure consists of an injection of 20 mL of normal saline, 4 mL of ropivacaine, and 40 mg of methylprednisolone into the glenohumeral joint, with the aim of capsular distension, pain reduction, and improvement of shoulder mobility.
suprascapular nerve block
The suprascapular nerve block is performed under ultrasound guidance at the suprascapular notch using an injection of 2 mL of ropivacaine. The block is administered immediately before shoulder hydrodistension with the aim of reducing procedural pain and improving patient tolerance.
Locations (1)
Unidade Local de Saude São João, EPE
Porto, Porto District, Portugal