NCT06735027 · University of Minnesota
Corticosteroid Injection Versus Nerve Block
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to evaluate conservative pain relief measures for patients suffering from glenohumeral arthritis or rotator cuff arthropathy. Conservative management of osteoarthritis is often first line treatment, and while a corticosteroid injection is frequently used, suprascapular nerve blocks have not often been described as an analgesic option in this population.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to evaluate conservative pain relief measures for patients suffering from glenohumeral arthritis or rotator cuff arthropathy. Conservative management of osteoarthritis is often first line treatment, and while a corticosteroid injection is frequently used, suprascapular nerve blocks have not often been described as an analgesic option in this population.
Interventions
OTHER
intraarticular corticosteroid injection (IACI)
The patient will be in a seated position. Correct patient, laterality, and procedure will be performed during the timeout. Ultrasound guidance will be used to identify the glenohumeral joint. The injection site will then be disinfected with an alcohol wipe. A 21, 22, or 23-gauge needle (depending on provider preference) will be advanced into the glenohumeral joint under direct ultrasound visualization. After entry into the glenohumeral joint, a negative aspiration will be performed. At that time, up to 1 mL of 40mg/mL methylprednisolone acetate will be injected be injected into the joint space.
OTHER
suprascapular nerve block (SSNB)
The patient will be in a seated position. Correct patient, laterality, and procedure will be performed during the timeout. Ultrasound guidance will be used to identify the suprascapular nerve in its path at the suprascapular notch. After disinfection of the injection site with alcohol, anatomic landmarks for SSNB as described by Dangoisse et al. \[10\] will be marked with a marking pen. Ultrasound will be utilized to guide the tip of a 21, 22, or 23 gauge (depending on provider preference) needle to the floor of the suprascapular fossa while avoiding neurovascular structures. At that time, a mixture of up to 10 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine and 20 mg triamcinolone will be slowly injected to fill the fascial contents of the suprascapular fossa under direct ultrasound guidance.
Primary outcome measures
change in visual analog scale (VAS) for pain
Time frame: preintervention, 24 hours, 3 days, 1 month, and 3 months postintervention
a validated continuous scale assessment for pain
single assessment numerical evaluation (SANE) of the shoulder
Time frame: preintervention, 24 hours, 3 days, 1 month, and 3 months postintervention
a validated tool providing a numerical score from 0-100 that assess shoulder function as subjectively reported by the subject. A higher score indicates superior shoulder function.
Oxford shoulder score (OSS)
Time frame: preintervention, 24 hours, 3 days, 1 month, and 3 months postintervention
a validated patient-reported outcome measure used to assess shoulder pain and functional disability. Possible scores range from 0-48 with higher scores indicating superior better shoulder function.
American shoulder and elbow surgeons (ASES) score
Time frame: preintervention, 24 hours, 3 days, 1 month, and 3 months postintervention
a validated survey with possible scores from 0-100 that assesses shoulder function as reported by the subject. A higher score indicates superior shoulder function.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- diagnosis of glenohumeral osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or rotator cuff arthropathy who are being offered injection
Exclusion criteria
- uncontrolled diabetes (patients will be excluded if no HbA1c within a year or if it is 8 or greater"
- known allergy to steroid or anesthetic
- pregnant women
- patients with diminished capacity to consent to participation
- children under 18 years of age
- non-English speakers
Where
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations