Objective
To compare ultrasonography guided versus blind approach in a randomized trial examining the efficacy of suprascapular nerve block in patients with non-specific shoulder pain. Method: A total of 20 patients with shoulder pain lasting for more than 1 month were included in this study. After 1:1 randomization, patients were included either in the blind group (n=10) or in the ultrasonography guided group (n=10) of suprascapular nerve block. All patients were evaluated before and after treatment, in terms of shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) and nerve conduction study. Results: Significant improvements were seen in all pain scores and disability after both types of nerve block, with no significant difference in the improvement of pain and disability between the two approaches. However, amplitude changes of nerve conduction study were larger in ultrasono-graphy guided approach than blind approach. Conclusion: This study suggests ultrasonography guided approach of suprascapular nerve block could place the needle closer to the nerve compared to blind approach. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2009; 33: 219-224)
