Exploring Shoulder Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational pilot study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of Shoulder Radiofrequency Ablation (SRFA) in patients suffering from chronic shoulder pain due to osteoarthritis and/or rotator cuff injuries. It will involve a single-arm cohort of patients who are non-surgical candidates, following a standardized selection and treatment protocol. The study seeks to fill a knowledge gap regarding SRFA as a potential treatment option for individuals who have not responded to conventional therapies. By evaluating outcomes, the research hopes to provide insights into a viable alternative for managing shoulder pain in this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. ≥50 years old capable of understanding and providing consent in English, and capable of complying with the outcome instruments used
2. ≥3 months of shoulder pain refractory to conventional treatment (i.e., physiotherapy, medication, steroid injections)
3. Persistent shoulder pain ≥ 4/10 in intensity on a 7-day average
4. Shoulder pain refractory to conventional treatment (i.e., physical therapy, oral analgesics, steroid injection)
5. Prior consultation with a board-certified orthopedic shoulder surgeon, deemed a non-surgical candidate for the primary diagnosis of glenohumeral joint pain +/- rotator cuff pain
6. ≥80% pain relief for at least 30 minutes after a single fluoroscopically-guided block of the sensory branches of the SN, AN, and LPN with 0.5 mL of lidocaine at each nerve
7. Scheduled for procedure of interest

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Infection
2. Allergy to any medication needed to participate in this study
3. Previous partial/total/reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Participants with a history of RTC repair will not be excluded.
4. Neurologic disorders including radiculopathy, connective tissue/inflammatory joint disease/widespread soft tissue pain disorder
5. Severe, uncontrolled psychiatric disorder requiring hospitalization within 6 months
6. Intraarticular or subacromial injection to the study shoulder within 3 months before C-SRFA
7. Uncontrolled bleeding diathesis
8. Pregnancy
9. Pacemaker, neurostimulator, or other implanted device potentially sensitive to RF energy
10. Active Worker's compensation claim, litigation, or other possible reason for secondary gain.
11. Prior shoulder radiofrequency ablation
12. Daily opioid use

Where it's running

• University of Utah Farmington Health Center
  Farmington, Utah, United States Recruiting
• University of Utah Orthopaedic Center
  Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Recruiting
• University of Utah South Jordan Health Center
  South Jordan, Utah, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Amanda Cooper, PhD
• Email: amanda.cooper@utah.edu
• Phone: 985-516-2225

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Functional electrical stimulation plus shoulder exercises for older adults with rotator cuff pain

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• Shoulder pain patients: see if breathing and chest exercises help pain and sleep

  This study tests whether adding respiratory muscle strengthening and diaphragmatic breathing to shoulder rehab can reduce pain and improve sleep in adults with chronic shoulder pain.

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• Rotator cuff repair with biceps rerouting and dermal graft augmentation for large, difficult tears

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  Recruiting Tam Anh Research Institute · Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh · NCT07875556

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.