Riassunto dello studio

Forty patients with cervical radicular pain were randomized to suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) with 8 mg dexamethasone + 0.25% bupivacaine (n=20) or SSNB with 4 mg dexamethasone + 0.25% bupivacaine (n=20). The primary outcome of interest was pain on the numeric rating scale (NRS) at prespecified timepoints. Secondary outcomes of interest included Patient global impression of change (PGIC), number of repeat injections, and adverse events. Outcomes were assessed pre-procedure, 30 min post-procedure, and at 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months. Overall, the results of the study revealed significant within-group pain reductions in both arms, with no between-group differences in NRS or PGIC at any timepoint , similar need for repeat injection, and no serious adverse events. These findings suggest that reducing dexamethasone from 8 mg to 4 mg in SSNB maintains efficacy and safety over 6 months.