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A UK-based consensus exercise to determine the most acceptable method of suprascapular nerve block injection for people consulting with rotator cuff disorders

Smith, Neil
; 
Miller, Dr Caroline
; 
Gwilym, Dr Steve
; 
Healey, Emma L
Abstract
Introduction: Suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) injections are used to treat shoulder pain in clinical practice. Its effectiveness compared to other shoulder pain relieving injections requires evaluation in high quality clinical trials. A range of different methods are used for SSNB injections. This study aimed to gain expert consensus on the most acceptable method of delivering SSNB injection in a future comparative clinical trial. Methods: Between October 2023 and May 2024, we conducted a three stage, online, modified Delphi survey with NHS clinicians who currently perform SSNB injections in the United Kingdom. Results: Thirty-eight NHS registered healthcare professionals completed Stage 1, 34 completed Stage 2 and 25 completed Stage 3. Anatomical land-marked and ultrasound guided SSNB injection methods reached consensus as acceptable to use in a multi-centre clinical trial. Targeting the supraspinatus fossa (SSF) or the suprascapular notch (SSN) reached consensus as acceptable. Finally, Kenalog (40 mg) or Depo-medrone (40 mg) combined with either Bupivacaine 0.25% (5-10 ml), Bupivacaine 0.5% (5 ml to10 ml), Lidocaine 1% (5-10 ml) all reached consensus as acceptable injectates. Conclusions: This consensus study has provided valuable information from expert NHS clinicians to help determine the method of SSNB injection delivery in the conduct of a future clinical trial.
MIDER Authors
Miller, Caroline
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Date
2025-06-24
Type
Article
Subject
Delphi Technique, Rotator Cuff, Nerve Block
Collections
UHB Trauma and Orthopaedics
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Citation
Smith N, Miller DC, Gwilym DS, Healey EL. A UK-based consensus exercise to determine the most acceptable method of suprascapular nerve block injection for people consulting with rotator cuff disorders. Shoulder Elbow. 2025 Jun 24:17585732251350116. doi: 10.1177/17585732251350116. Epub ahead of print.
Journal / Source Title
Shoulder & Elbow
DOI
10.1177/17585732251350116
URI
https://mider.dspace7.openrepository.com/handle/20.500.14200/8770
PMID
40575178
Publisher
Sage
Publisher’s URL
https://journals.sagepub.com/home/sel
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