USG-Guided Shoulder Injections in Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is characterized by pain and a progressive restriction of both active and passive shoulder range of motion, significantly impairing daily activities and quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of USG-guided shoulder injections, when added to a home-based exercise program, in the conservative management of patients with chronic, painful frozen shoulder.

In this prospective randomized study, patients diagnosed with painful frozen shoulder will be included. In addition to a standardized home-based exercise program, patients will receive either USG-guided suprascapular nerve block alone or a combination of suprascapular nerve block and subacromial injection. The effects of these approaches on clinical outcomes will be assessed over a 20-week follow-up period.

Primary outcome measures include pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional status evaluated by the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and shoulder range of motion. Secondary outcomes include depression level (Beck Depression Inventory), sleep quality, pain phenotype (nociplastic, neuropathic, or nociceptive), hand grip strength, ultrasonographic findings ( (coracohumeral ligament thickness, subacromial bursa thickness) , and patient satisfaction (subjective impression of improvement).

The results of this study are expected to provide evidence on the comparative effectiveness and additional benefits of different shoulder injection approaches when combined with home-based exercise therapy in patients with chronic frozen shoulder.