Effectiveness of Suprascapular Nerve Block in the Treatment of Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

研究概要

281 patients across 8 randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis comparing suprascapular nerve block and control (active or placebo) for pain relief. Pooled outcomes of interest included pain on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), range of motion, and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Motor Recovery after stroke. No significant differences were observed between suprascapular nerve block and active controls in pooled pain scores or range of motion. However, the suprascapular nerve block significantly reduced VAS pain scores vs. placebo both <4 weeks and >4 weeks. Pooled Fugl-Meyer scores were also in favour of the suprascapular nerve block group.