[Frozen shoulder--MRI-verified continuous block of suprascapular nerve]

Suprascapular nerve block may provide sufficient analgesia in painful immobilisation of the shoulder joint. In the following case report a 41 year old male presenting with adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) has been treated successfully by performing continuous delivery of local anesthetics to the suprascapular nerve via catheter. The location of the catheter has been verified using MRI examination. Pain relief was quantified by using visual analog scale (VAS 1 - 10) and showed decretion from VAS 8 - 10 pre treatment to VAS 1 - 2 after insertion of the catheter and throughout five days of intensive physiotherapy, respectively. The technique of catheterization using a nerve stimulator and alternative peripheral nerve blocks are discussed. In summary, continuous suprascapular nerve block offers an advantageous alternative for pain relief in patients with frozen shoulder. It may provide better pain control and earlier discharge in the ambulatory setting than repetetive single dose blocks.