Background and aims Myofascial pain is a prevalent and frequent cause of pain. Ultrasound guided infiltration with local anesthetic and steroids on the interfascial area of the trapezius muscle can be a beneficial treatment option for patients who are suffering from myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) in the trapezius muscle.

Methods We investigated 78 patients (60 women and 18 men) affected by MPS. We performed the infiltration with ropivacaine 0,2% 12 ml and betemethasone 6 mg. After this block pain intensity was evaluated using the Analog Visual Scale (EVA) at pretreatment, in the second week and in the first,the third and sixth month. The quality of life was also assessed using the Lattinen Index. For the statistical analysis we used mainly the non-parametric Mann Whitney U test, reaching the following conclusion.

Results The decrements of EVA scores were not significantly different between men and women. The average of pain relief was 5 months (EVA< 6). 70% of our patients had pain relief after 3 months but only 25% had it after 6 months. Although we had pain relief, the EVA was highest the third than the first month and the sixth than the sixth one. 30% of our patients only had pain relief for a week.

Conclusions Ultrasound guided infiltration with local anesthetic and steroids on the interfascial area of the trapezius muscle is a very good option for the treatment of the chronic pain in this area.