Salim Taner GÖZÜKIZIL, Halil İbrahim ALTUN
Türk Geriatri Dergisi - 2026;29(1):47-55
Introduction: Adhesive capsulitis causes severe pain and limited movement, particularly in older adults. Treating this condition in elderly patients is difficult because standard therapies can carry risks due to age-related health issues and multiple medications. Suprascapular nerve pulsed radiofrequency provides a potentially safer, minimally invasive option. This study assessed the effectiveness and safety of this method in patients aged 65 and older. Materials and Method: Thirty-two patients with adhesive capsulitis received ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve pulsed radiofrequency. The primary outcome was the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index; secondary outcomes included Numeric Rating Scale scores for activity and rest pain. Assessments occurred at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks. Results: Post-procedure assessments at 4 and 12 weeks demonstrated statistically significant reductions in Shoulder Pain and Disability Index scores and Numeric Rating Scale scores compared to baseline. While Shoulder Pain and Disability Index pain scores stayed consistent between weeks 4 and 12, a small but statistically significant rise in resting pain was observed at week 12 compared to week 4; however, pain levels remained significantly lower than pre-treatment levels. No serious procedure-related adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided Suprascapular nerve pulsed radiofrequency seems to be an effective and safe treatment for chronic shoulder pain in elderly patients with adhesive capsulitis. Besides pain relief, long-lasting functional improvements may help reduce the social and psychological challenges linked to the condition. Due to its good safety profile, this method offers a valuable option for vulnerable patients with few other treatment choices.
