Editor-in-Chief: Alaa Abd-Elsayed, MD, PhD
PDF
BACKGROUND: Modulation of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) and axillary nerves using peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS)is increasingly being used to treat patients with chronic shoulder pain.
CASE REPORT: Our patient presented with chronic shoulder pain secondary to glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis. Ultrasound guidance was used for PNS lead placement at the spinoglenoid notch and at the deltoid for suprascapular and axillary nerve modulation, respectively. After a 60-day treatment period with PNS, the patient had clinically significant pain reduction. No complications were observed.
CONCLUSIONS: Stimulating the suprascapular nerve (SSN) at the spinoglenoid notch offers optimal patient positioning and has a lower risk of pneumothorax, intravascular injection, and residual motor block compared to the suprascapular notch approach. PNS of the SSN at the spinoglenoid notch is a safe, alternative, and novel use of PNS.
KEY WORDS: Neuromodulation, suprascapular nerve, chronic shoulder pain
