Effectiveness of ultrasonography-guided pericapsular nerve group block in patients with adhesive capsulitis resistant to conservative treatment: A prospective observational study


Uzuner B., İşler S., Ketenci S., Durmuş D.

Medicine (United States), cilt.105, sa.12, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 105 Sayı: 12
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1097/md.0000000000048118
  • Dergi Adı: Medicine (United States)
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: adhesive capsulitis, function, kinesiophobia, pain, pericapsular nerve group block
  • Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

– This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasonography-guided pericapsular nerve group block (PENG-b) in shoulder pain, function, and kinesiophobia in patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC) resistant to conservative treatment. Sixty-one patients diagnosed with resistant AC were included in this study. Thirty-one patients received PENG-b followed by mobilization (Group 1), while 30 received only mobilization therapy (Group 2). All patients underwent mobilization therapy thrice a week for 6 weeks, targeting ≥80% shoulder range of motion (ROM). Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, function using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and Modified Constant-Murley Score, ROM via goniometry, and kinesiophobia using the Tampa Scale. Group 1 reached the targeted ROM in 10.3 ± 1.6 sessions (range 6–12), whereas all patients in Group 2 required 18 sessions (P < .001). Both groups showed significant posttreatment improvements in Visual Analog Scale, ROM, Modified Constant-Murley Score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, and kinesiophobia scores (P < .001). However, Group 1 demonstrated significantly superior outcomes across all measures compared to Group 2 (P < .001). Pain relief was also observed within 24 hours after injection in Group 1. PENG-b provided rapid pain relief and enhanced the effectiveness of subsequent mobilization therapy, resulting in better functional recovery and reduced kinesiophobia within a shorter timeframe. These findings suggest that PENG-b is a safe and effective pre-rehabilitation intervention for patients with AC who are unresponsive to conventional treatments.