Background and Aims Frozen shoulder (FS) is a common disorder characterized by pain and motion limitation. There are several treatment options available. Our aim was to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound guided suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) versus intra-articular corticosteroid injection (IACI) in terms of pain relief and range of motion (ROM) improvement.

Methods 40 patients, were randomly assigned into Group 1 (n=20), who received SSNB with 9 ml of 0.2% Ropivacaine and 6mg Betamethasone (1 ml), or Group 2 (n=20), who received IACI with 6mg Betamethasone and 1 ml 2% Lidocaine hydrochloride. Both groups started a three-week rehabilitation program afterwards.They were followed up for 12 weeks and reviewed for pain (NRS score), disability, and ROM in the first hour and at weeks 1, 4, and 12 after each treatment.

Results The change in NRS value and active movement in the first hour was more remarkable in group 1 (p < 0.05). From the first week to 12 weeks, in both groups, there was marked improvement in pain score in all times of follow up and the disability score showed improvement of non significant difference over the three time periods. The best improvement in all measurements was marked in group 1 with no significant difference between groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions SSNB and IACI are both effective in FS treatment. SSNB is a safe and easy-to-perform outpatient procedure, performed extra-articularly, thus avoiding joint complications. So, we may recommend SSNB as the initial procedure of choice in patients with FS.