Frozen shoulder or peri-arthritis is a condition that results in significant disability, wherein the patients are unable to move their arms at the shoulder and have pain and discomfort.

It is usually a self-limited procedure and takes approx. 9 months for recovery. Apart from anti-inflammatory medication, graded physiotherapy and on occasion, intra-articular steroid injections and arthroscopic adhesiolysis are used to treat more difficult cases.

The suprascapular nerve in the suprascapular notch has approximately 70% of the sensory supply from the capsule. By blocking this nerve, it is possible to reduce the pain significantly and allow movement of the shoulder. This in turn, facilitates physiotherapy and helps faster recovery.

This procedure is performed under CT guidance in the prone position. Once the needle is in place, a steroid and anesthetic mixture is injected (Figs. 1, 2). Usual improvement is within 24 hours and can last from 3-6 months. Repeated injections are possible, but the most important role seems to be the ability to allow aggressive physiotherapy to be conducted.

Fig. 1	Fig. 2

Radiology Second Opinion Pain Management  Radio Frequency Ablation

Cardiac CT Inner Spaces Preventive Health Checks Sleep Studies