Radiofrequency of suprascapular nerve as an analgesic strategy for chronic pain management. Systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Chronic shoulder pain is highly prevalent in the general population. Many different analgesic strategies have been described, including radiofrequency treatment to the suprascapular nerve (RFS); however, the effectiveness this approach remains unclear, and no strong recommendation can be made. The aim of this systematic review is to analyse the latest clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of RFS techniques applied to the suprascapular nerve in terms of management of chronic shoulder pain, post-procedural functionality, and adverse effects.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of clinical trials retrieved from Medline, Embase and the CENTRAL databases. We included trials comparing RFS with other strategies, including placebo, that had as their primary outcome measures pain rated on a visual analogue scale, functionality rated on a shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), and the incidence of adverse events. Risk of bias was analysed using the Cochrane RoB2 tool. Evidence was analysed using a random effects model and heterogeneity was quantified using the I² test.

Results

We identified 3030 trials, of which 8 met the inclusion criteria (n = 408). Seven had a high risk of bias. Pain intensity at 1 and 3 months was lower in patients receiving RFS, with a standardised mean difference (SMD) of −0.9 (95% CI [−1.1, 0.33], p = 0.29; I² 88%, p < 0.001) and −1.17 (95% CI [−2.49, 0.14], p = 0.08; I² 97%, p < 0.001), respectively. Functional compromise at 1 and 3 months decreased in patients receiving RFS, with an SMD of −0.31 (95% CI [−0.91, 0.29], p = 0.31; I² 80%, p < 0.001) and −1.54 (95% CI [−3.26, 0.19], p = 0.08; I² 98%, p < 0.001), respectively. No RFS-related adverse events were described.

Conclusion

The evidence suggests that RFS reduces pain and improves functionality. However, the certainty of the evidence is low.