Comparison of the Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Subacromial Injection Versus Subacromial Injection and Suprascapular...

Background/Objectives: Rotator cuff lesions are common causes of shoulder pain. When not treated effectively, the functional loss associated with pain affects the quality of life and brings about psychosocial issues. In this study, prospective observational comparison of the effects of ultrasonography (USG) guided subacromial injection (SAI) versus subacromial injection combined with suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) on pain, functionality and sleep quality in the treatment of shoulder pain unresponsive to conservative treatments due to rotator cuff lesions is made. Methods: The data of 25 patients in both groups were compared prospectively. Patients were evaluated after 30 min, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months. Pain levels were measured with VAS, shoulder functions with SPADI and sleep quality with PSQI. Analgesic consumption and satisfaction were also recorded. Results: Both treatment groups effectively reduced pain at rest over the 3-month follow-up period. However, the SAI group did not achieve the targeted level of analgesia for pain control during movement. In comparison, the SAI + SSNB group demonstrated significantly superior outcomes, with lower VAS scores both at rest and during motion, as well as improved SPADI and PSQI scores. Additionally, analgesic consumption was significantly reduced in the SAI + SSNB group. No side effects or complications were observed during the treatment applications or the follow-up period. Conclusions: Pain control, shoulder functionality, sleep quality, and patient satisfaction were found to be higher in patients treated with SAI + SSNB in the short-to-medium term in the treatment of shoulder pain due to rotator cuff lesions, in addition to lower analgesic consumption.