Suprascapular Nerve Block

What is a Suprascapular Nerve Block and why is an injection helpful?
This is an injection into the posterior shoulder region (suprascapular notch), which can be used to diagnose and evaluate shoulder pain, to treat pain, or to predict what a patient might experience if destruction of the suprascapular nerve is being considered. Suprascapular nerve blocks may be very useful when partnered with occupational therapy to increase flexibility and/or range of motion. Together these injections with therapy may decrease overall pain and improve function and use of the effected arm.

What happens during the procedure?
Prior to the procedure, on a previous day or possibly the same day of the procedure, the patient will often have a simple evaluation of their effected shoulder and arm by an occupational therapist.

The patient is asked to lie on their abdomen on the x-ray table. The skin on the shoulder area is cleansed using a sterile solution called Betadine. Next, the physician injects a small area of skin with numbing medicine. This medicine stings for several seconds.

After the numbing medicine has been given time to be effective, the physician directs a second needle, using fluoroscopy (x-ray) guidance into the suprascapular notch. A small amount of contrast (dye) is injected to insure proper needle position. The physician then injects local anesthetic. The patient may experience numbness, tingling, prickling, and increased sensation in the effected arm as the needle is placed and medication injected.

What happens after the procedure?
The patient is observed for at least 15 minutes in the Pain Service area for response to the injection. Blood Pressure and pulse will be checked.

The patient may be scheduled for a post injection re-evaluation and treatment by the physical therapist. If the patient has a positive response to the injection there may be several treatment options:

1) A series of injections might be scheduled in relation to a therapy schedule.
2) A repeated injection with a stronger local anesthetic may be indicated.
A follow-up appointment will be made.

General Pre/Post Instructions
Patients may eat a light meal before the procedure. If a patient is an insulin dependent diabetic, they should take their insulin and eat.

Patients may take their routine medications. (i.e. high blood pressure and oral diabetic medications). If a patient is on Coumadin, Lovenox, or Plavix (blood thinners) they must notify the office so that special instructions may be given.

If you are allergic to iodine, contrast, or medical dye, please inform the office. Patients can expect to be at that facility approximately 1½.

A driver must accompany the patient and be responsible for getting them home. It is best if no driving is done the day of the procedure and after the injection. Patients may return to their normal activities the day after the procedure, including returning to work unless otherwise instructed by the physician.