Suprascapular Nerve PRF for Chronic Shoulder Pain: Notch vs Midpoint Approaches
Official title: Comparison of Suprascapular Notch and Midpoint Approaches in Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment of the Suprascapular Nerve on Pain and Function in Patients With Chronic Shoulder Pain
Run by Ankara City Hospital Bilkent · NCT07502209 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests two ways of applying pulsed radiofrequency to the suprascapular nerve to see which better reduces pain and improves shoulder function in people with chronic shoulder pain from rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ankara City Hospital Bilkent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 7, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07502209 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 40–80 with chronic rotator cuff–related shoulder pain lasting over 3 months and at least 50% pain reduction after a diagnostic suprascapular nerve block.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with adhesive capsulitis, full-thickness rotator cuff tears, prior shoulder surgery, or conditions contraindicating PRF may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, interventional study comparing two approaches for pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the suprascapular nerve in adults with chronic shoulder pain due to rotator cuff tendinopathy. Participants are randomly assigned to either the suprascapular notch approach or the midpoint approach, with outcomes measured at baseline, 24 hours, 1 month, and 3 months. Primary assessments include pain (NRS), shoulder function (SPADI), and quality of life (SF-36), along with range of motion, muscle thickness via ultrasonography, and isokinetic shoulder strength. The trial aims to determine whether one approach provides superior pain relief and functional gains with favorable safety in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, one approach may offer better pain relief and improved shoulder function for people with chronic rotator cuff–related shoulder pain.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests PRF of the suprascapular nerve can relieve shoulder pain, but direct comparison of notch versus midpoint approaches is limited and exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged between 40 and 80 years * Patients with chronic shoulder pain lasting longer than 3 months * Patients diagnosed with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain * Patients who show at least 50% pain reduction after diagnostic suprascapular nerve block * Patients who provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Adhesive capsulitis * Previous shoulder surgery * Full-thickness rotator cuff tear * Neurological disorders affecting the shoulder * Pacemaker * Coagulopathy or anticoagulant therapy contraindicating intervention * Infection at the injection site * Severe systemic disease * Pregnancy * Inability to comply with study protocol
Where it's running
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Ankara Bilkent City Hospital
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ayşe Merve Ata, MD — Ankara City Hospital Bilkent
- Study coordinator: Gülberk Özok, MD
- Email: gulberk.koc95@gmail.com
- Phone: 5325034077
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.