Suprascapular nerve block reduced chronic shoulder pain and disability in degenerative disease or rheumatoid arthritisSuprascapular nerve block using bupivacaine and methylprednisolone acetate in chronic shoulder pain.

Symmons, Deborah MD, FRCP (commentator)
Shanahan, EM
Ahern, M
Smith, M
et al,

University of Manchester Medical School Manchester, UK

Shanahan EM, Ahern M, Smith M, et al. Suprascapular nerve block (using bupivacaine and methylprednisolone acetate) in chronic shoulder pain. Ann Rheum Dis 2003; 62: 400–6.ShanahanEMAhernMSmithMet alSuprascapular nerve block using bupivacaine and methylprednisolone acetate in chronic shoulder pain.Ann Rheum Dis200362400-6Q In patients with chronic shoulder pain from degenerative disease or rheumatoid arthritis, is suprascapular nerve block (SNB) effective for reducing the resulting pain and disability?

For correspondence: Dr M Shanahan, Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park, South Australia, Australia. [email protected]

Sources of funding: National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and the Arthritis Foundation of Australia.

Evidence Based Medicine 9(2):p 50, April 2004.

Clinical impact ratings GP/FP/Primary care ★★★★★☆☆ Rheumatology ★★★★★★☆