THE USE OF RADIOFREQUENCY NEUROABLATION IN THE TREATMENT OF OMALGIA IN PATIENTS WITH SHOULDER JOINT ARTHROSIS

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of radiofrequency denervation (neuroablation) of the suprascapular nerve in the treatment process of omalgia in patients with degenerative and dystrophic disorders of the shoulder joint. 31 patients (31 joints were researched) took the treatment and analyzed their data in the rehabilitation department of the State Institution "Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine" from 2019 to 2021. X-ray assessment was performed to find out the stage of the disease according to the classification of M. Lequesne Kellgren and J. Lawrence. All patients had radiofrequency neuroablation of the suprascapular nerve. Patients were assessed before the RFN procedure, after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. Due to performed treatment, the average VAS score for pain was 7,65±1,23 cm. A decrease in pain level by 3 cm or more was considered reliable. 1 month after suprascapular nerve RFN we had a significant decrease in pain syndrome according to VAS in the group of patients within 3,87±1,06 cm (p<0,05); after 3 months a stable positive remained at the 3,1±1,42 cm; after 6 months began to gradually deteriorate to 5,52±1,24 cm and remained after 12 months at the 5,2±1,58 cm. Thus, the suprascapular nerve RFN procedure allows for maintaining a stable positive result for 6 months with subsequent deterioration. After 12 months abandoned the use of NSAIDs - 29,03% of patients and continued to additionally use NSAIDs for pain relief sometimes or constantly almost 64,52% of the group examined. The results of our studies complement those of Taverner et al., Eyigor et al., indicating a trend toward a decrease in pain and functional limitations among patients with omalgia after the RFN procedure, and the preservation of the effect during the follow-up year after the procedure. The suprascapular nerve RFN procedure makes it possible to reduce the level of pain syndrome and refuse the use of painkillers in patients with shoulder joint arthrosis in almost 30-40% of cases, and the effect of pain relief lasts from 6 to 12 months in most cases.