Radiofrequency Ablation and Pulsed Radiofrequency of Suprascapular Nerves for Managing Chronic Shoulder Pain

Background: Chronic pain is a major contributor to a reduced quality of life in the United States, with chronic shoulder pain comprising a sizeable portion of complaints. Multiple techniques are utilized in the treatment of chronic shoulder pain, but many patients report significant pain refractory to these modalities. For these patients, the suprascapular nerve’s radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offers a potential long-lasting solution. Methods: This retrospective analysis used data from UW Health HealthLink records of patients who received suprascapular RFA from June 2017 to May 2024. Data were collected across 31 procedures, covering demographics, RFA technique, procedure efficacy, duration of relief, adverse events, and relevant medical history. The data were analyzed using a paired t-test. Results: The average pre-RFA pain score was 6.08/10, and the average post-RFA pain score was 2.95/10. The average percentage improvement was 63.3%, with a mean duration of improvement of 3.12 months. Five procedures yielded no improvement in pain. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that RFA is an effective alternative therapy for chronic shoulder pain refractory to conventional pain management strategies, with a potential for long-term relief. Limitations of this study are due to the inherent challenges of retrospective analyses.