Comparing corticosteroid injections and nerve blocks for shoulder pain relief

A Randomized Comparative Cohort Study of the Use of Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injection Compared to Suprascapular Nerve Block for Treatment of Shoulder Pain

NA · University of Minnesota · NCT06735027

This study tests whether corticosteroid injections or nerve blocks work better to relieve shoulder pain for people with arthritis or rotator cuff issues.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota (other)
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT06735027 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates two conservative pain relief methods for patients with glenohumeral arthritis or rotator cuff arthropathy. It compares the effectiveness of intraarticular corticosteroid injections with suprascapular nerve blocks as analgesic options. The goal is to determine which method provides better pain relief for these conditions. This research aims to enhance treatment strategies for managing osteoarthritis-related shoulder pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with glenohumeral osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or rotator cuff arthropathy who are considering injection therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, known allergies to steroids or anesthetics, or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with more effective pain management options for shoulder conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While corticosteroid injections are commonly used, the use of suprascapular nerve blocks in this context is less frequently studied, making this approach somewhat novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of glenohumeral osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or rotator cuff arthropathy who are being offered injection

Exclusion Criteria:

* uncontrolled diabetes (patients will be excluded if no HbA1c within a year or if it is 8 or greater"
* known allergy to steroid or anesthetic
* pregnant women
* prisoners
* patients with diminished capacity to consent to participation
* children under 18 years of age
* non-English speakers

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Glenohumeral Arthritis, Rotator Cuff Arthropathy, osteoarthritis, glenohumeral arthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy, corticosteroid injection, suprascapular nerve block

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.