Comparing two types of steroid injections for frozen shoulder pain relief
Therapeutic Injections for Frozen Shoulder (TIFFS Study)- Comparing Suprascapular Nerve Block Versus Intra-articular Glenohumeral Joint Injection. A Randomised Controlled Trial
This study is testing which of two types of steroid injections helps people with frozen shoulder pain feel better—one directly in the shoulder joint and the other near a nerve.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Blackpool, Lancashire) |
| Trial ID | NCT04965376 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of two different steroid injection techniques for pain relief in patients with unilateral frozen shoulder. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a glenohumeral joint injection or a suprascapular nerve block, both administered under ultrasound guidance. The study will evaluate pain relief at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year post-injection, with a total duration of 3 years for recruitment and follow-up. The trial seeks to determine if one method provides significantly better pain relief than the other.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with unilateral frozen shoulder who are suitable for steroid injection.
Not a fit: Patients with bilateral frozen shoulder or those with a full thickness rotator cuff tear may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide clearer guidance on the most effective treatment for pain relief in patients with frozen shoulder.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar injection techniques, but this specific comparison is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age greater than or equal to 18 years * Patient diagnosed with unilateral frozen shoulder (Diagnosis of frozen shoulder will be based on clinical examination (restriction of passive external rotation in the affected shoulder \> 50% compared to opposite site), in the presence of normal plain radiographs (antero-posterior and axillary projections) (other than calcific tendinopathy)) Exclusion Criteria: * Age less than 18 years * Lacking capacity/unable to give valid consent for participation * Full thickness rotator cuff tear diagnosed on either Ultrasound scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging * Unable to complete follow up * Unable to speak or read English * Allergy to corticosteroid or local anaesthetic * Simultaneous bilateral frozen shoulder.
Where this trial is running
Blackpool, Lancashire
- Blackpool Victoria Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust — Blackpool, Lancashire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Charalambos P Charalambous — Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Study coordinator: Charalambos P Charalambous
- Email: mr.charalambous@nhs.net
- Phone: 01253 300000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.