Shoulder terminal sensory articular nerve radiofrequency ablation for non-surgical refractory shoulder pain due to rotator cuff pathology and osteoarthritis: A technical note

Abstract

Background Given the high prevalence of chronic shoulder pain and encouraging early results of terminal sensory articular branch (TSAB) radiofrequency ablation to treat shoulder pain, research is warranted to refine the procedural technique based on updated neuroanatomical knowledge with the goal of further improving patient outcomes. Objective We describe an updated radiofrequency ablation protocol that accounts for varied locations of the TSABs of suprascapular, axillary, subscapular and lateral pectoral nerves within individual patients. Design Technical note. Methods Cadaveric studies delineating the sensory innervation of the shoulder joint were reviewed, and a more comprehensive radiofrequency ablation (RFA) protocol is proposed relative to historical descriptions. Conclusions Based on neuroanatomical dissections of the shoulder joint, the proposed RFA protocol will provide a safe means of more complete sensory denervation and potentially improve clinical outcomes compared to historical descriptions, which must be confirmed in prospective studies.