Treatment for shoulder pain after stroke using radiofrequency ablation

Efficacy of Suprascapular Radiofrequency Ablation Versus USG-guided Suprascapular Nerve Blockade and Intra-articular Steroid Injections in Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain: A Three-blind Randomized Controlled Study.

Not applicable Interventional Ankara Etlik City Hospital · NCT06473389

This study is testing whether a special treatment called radiofrequency ablation can help people with shoulder pain after having a stroke feel better compared to other common treatments.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment84 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAnkara Etlik City Hospital Government
Locations1 site (Ankara, Yenimahalle)
Trial IDNCT06473389 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of suprascapular radiofrequency ablation for patients suffering from hemiplegic shoulder pain following a stroke. It is a prospective, triple-blind randomized controlled study involving patients diagnosed with hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke at least three months prior. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: radiofrequency ablation, suprascapular nerve block, or intra-articular steroid injection. The study aims to assess pain relief using a visual analog scale (VAS) and will include a total of 84 patients to ensure statistical significance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who have experienced a stroke at least three months prior and have moderate to severe shoulder pain.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of shoulder pain prior to the stroke or those who have undergone recent interventional procedures for shoulder pain may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce shoulder pain in stroke survivors, improving their quality of life and rehabilitation outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using nerve blocks for post-stroke shoulder pain, but the specific application of radiofrequency ablation is less commonly tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Being over 18 years old
2. Those who were diagnosed with hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke at least 3 months ago
3. Patients with shoulder pain with VAS \> 5 severity after hemiplegia
4. Those who agree to participate with a consent document (their own or their foster family)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Those who did not provide a consent document
2. Those under 18 years of age
3. Those who cannot cooperate
4. Severely aphasic patients
5. Patients with shoulder pain VAS \>5 severity
6. Patients who have undergone interventional procedures such as RF, suprascapular nerve blockade, steroid injection, etc. for the shoulder area in the last 3 months
7. Patients with bleeding diathesis
8. Those with a history of surgery or radiotherapy in the shoulder area
9. Those who had shoulder complaints before the stroke
10. Patients with pacemakers
11. Patients with MMT Score \<24

Where this trial is running

Ankara, Yenimahalle

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.
Conditions Hemiplegic Shoulder PainHemiplegic shoulderstrokepainradiofrequencysuprascapular nervecorticosteroidinjection
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.