Suprascapular Nerve Block

Abstract

Suprascapular nerve blockade (SSNB) is a simple and safe technique for providing relief from various types of shoulder pain, including rheumatologic disorders, cancer, and trauma pain, and postoperative pain due to shoulder arthroscopy. Posterior, superior, and anterior approaches may be used, the most common being the posterior. Recently, an ultrasound-guided approach has been described. In this review, the basic anatomy of the suprascapular nerve will be described. The different techniques of SSNB and indications for SSNB will be discussed. The complications of SSNB and outcomes of SSNB on the management of acute and chronic shoulder pain will be reviewed.

Ultrasound-guided subomohyoid suprascapular nerve block and phrenic nerve involvement: a cadaveric dye study

“…This approach to the SSN (in the supraspinatus fossa) proposed as an alternative analgesic block while preserving phrenic nerve function6 can be associated with higher technical failures 7. It has been modified multiple times, is technically challenging and has shown conflicting results 8. The anterior approach (in the supraclavicular fossa) has been recently proposed as a reliable and easy technique9 with similar efficacy for shoulder surgery 10.…”

Cadaveric Study of the Articular Branches of the Shoulder Joint

“…15 The SN is established as a target for shoulder analgesia in clinical practice. 7,9,16,17 This study investigated the anatomic course of the SN, AN, and LPN to the GHJ in cadavers. We aimed to determine the location of terminal sensory articular branches of the shoulder and describe associations with bone, soft tissue, and vascular landmarks.…”

Eficacia y seguridad del bloqueo de nervio supraescapular guiado por ultrasonido en pacientes con dolor crónico de hombro

“…Desde entonces se ha usado con buena eficacia en el manejo del dolor agudo y crónico, especialmente en la artritis reumatoide, la osteoartritis de la articulación glenohumeral y los trastornos del manguito rotador, incluyendo el hombro congelado. Algunos autores han reportado algunas complicaciones, como neumotórax, inyección intravascular, bloqueo motor residual y trauma local 6 .…”

“…Las condiciones en las que se ha empleado la técnica son: capsulitis adhesiva, alteraciones reumatoló-gicas, artritis, artrosis, dolor postoperatorio, trauma, cáncer, e inclusive en síndromes dolorosos posteriores a accidentes cerebrovasculares como complicación de la hemiplejía 4,5 . También es empleado en otros escenarios, como el dolor agudo y en el diagnóstico de neuropatía supraescapular 6 . En el año 2007, Harmon y Hearty 7 describieron la técnica del bloqueo de nervio supraescapular guiado por ultrasonido, la cual ha mejorado tanto la tasa de éxito como la seguridad con la que se realizan este tipo de procedimientos.…”