Comparison of efficacy of suprascapular nerve block using local anaesthetic and two different doses of steroid in cervical radicular pain
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background and Aims: Neck pain resulting from various cervical spine disorders ranks second among the leading cause of musculoskeletal disorders. This prospective study was conducted to compare the efficacy of suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) using a local anaesthetic and two different doses of dexamethasone in patients with cervical radicular pain. Material and Methods: Forty participants were randomised into Group I (n = 20), in which patients received a SSNB with 6 ml of a drug solution comprising 0.25% bupivacaine (4 ml) and 8 mg of dexamethasone (2 ml), and Group II (n = 20), in which patients received SSNB with 6 ml of a drug solution comprising 0.25% bupivacaine (4 ml), 4 mg of dexamethasone (1 ml), and normal saline (1 ml). Patients were followed for a period of six months. The numeric rating scale (NRS), patient global impression of change (PGIC), need for repeat injections, and side effects were compared between the two groups. Results: > 0.05). None of the patients reported any serious side effects. Conclusions: A SSNB with a local anaesthetic and either 8 mg or 4 mg of dexamethasone is an equally effective technique for managing patients with cervical radicular pain. Hence, a SSNB with 4 mg of dexamethasone can be utilised to reduce the steroid dose without compromising the efficacy and safety of the treatment in patients with cervical radicular pain.
Authors: Naveen Malhotra, Rishabh Anand, Amit Kumar, Neha Sinha, Vaishali Phogat, N Charan
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4409295385