Chronic Shoulder PainSUPRA-PRFNCT07502209
Notch vs Midpoint Suprascapular Nerve PRF for Chronic Shoulder Pain
A study testing PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Notch Approach) and PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Midpoint Approach) in people with Chronic Shoulder Pain and Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, run by Ankara City Hospital Bilkent at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study aims to compare the effects of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment of the suprascapular nerve using suprascapular notch and midpoint approaches on pain, shoulder function, and muscle strength in patients with chronic shoulder pain due to rotator cuff tendinopathy. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 80 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
- What is being tested?
- PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Notch Approach) and PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Midpoint Approach)
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 32 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 7 May 2026to 30 Aug 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 40 to 80 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients aged between 40 and 80 years
- Patients with chronic shoulder pain lasting longer than 3 months
- Patients diagnosed with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain
- Patients who show at least 50% pain reduction after diagnostic suprascapular nerve block
- Patients who provide written informed consent
Who cannot join
- Adhesive capsulitis
- Previous shoulder surgery
- Full-thickness rotator cuff tear
- Neurological disorders affecting the shoulder
- Pacemaker
- Coagulopathy or anticoagulant therapy contraindicating intervention
Show all 10Show fewer
- Infection at the injection site
- Severe systemic disease
- Pregnancy
- Inability to comply with study protocol
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Ankara Bilkent City Hospital
Ankara, 06800
Gülberk Özok, MD, 5325034077, gulberk.koc95@gmail.com
gulberk.koc95@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Comparison of Suprascapular Notch and Midpoint Approaches in Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment of the Suprascapular Nerve on Pain and Function in Patients With Chronic Shoulder Pain
This study aims to compare the effects of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment of the suprascapular nerve using suprascapular notch and midpoint approaches on pain, shoulder function, and muscle strength in patients with chronic shoulder pain due to rotator cuff tendinopathy. Patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups. Clinical evaluations will include pain assessment using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), functional assessment using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and quality of life assessment using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). In addition, shoulder range of motion will be measured goniometrically, muscle thickness of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus will be evaluated by ultrasonography, and shoulder muscle strength will be assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Assessments will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, 1 month, and 3 months after the intervention. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the optimal approach for PRF treatment of the suprascapular nerve in patients with chronic shoulder pain.
Read the detailed description
Chronic shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that significantly affects daily activities and quality of life. Rotator cuff tendinopathy is one of the most frequent causes of chronic shoulder pain. The suprascapular nerve plays a key role in shoulder pain transmission, and pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the suprascapular nerve has emerged as an effective minimally invasive treatment option.
Different anatomical approaches have been described for suprascapular nerve interventions, including the suprascapular notch and midpoint approaches. However, there is limited evidence comparing the clinical and functional outcomes of these approaches.
The aim of this prospective, randomized study is to compare the effects of PRF applied to the suprascapular nerve via suprascapular notch and midpoint approaches in patients with chronic shoulder pain due to rotator cuff tendinopathy. Patients will be randomly allocated into two groups according to the intervention approach.
Clinical evaluations will include pain assessment using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), functional evaluation using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and quality of life assessment using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). In addition, shoulder range of motion will be measured goniometrically. Muscle thickness of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus will be assessed using ultrasonography, and shoulder muscle strength will be evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer.
Assessments will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, 1 month, and 3 months following the intervention. The primary outcome of the study is the change in shoulder muscle strength, while secondary outcomes include pain, functional status, and muscle thickness.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the literature by identifying the optimal anatomical approach for suprascapular nerve PRF in the management of chronic shoulder pain.
- Conditions
- Chronic Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
- Being tested
- PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Notch Approach), PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Midpoint Approach)
- Keywords
- Suprascapular Nerve, Pulsed Radiofrequency, Chronic Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Isokinetic Muscle Strength, Ultrasound Measurement, Shoulder Function
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Notch Approach)Procedure or surgery
Under ultrasound guidance, a radiofrequency needle will be positioned adjacent to the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch. Sensory stimulation at 50 Hz and motor stimulation at 2 Hz will be performed to confirm appropriate needle placement. Pulsed radiofrequency will then be applied at 42°C for three cycles of 120 seconds.
PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Midpoint Approach)Procedure or surgery
Under ultrasound guidance, a radiofrequency needle will be positioned adjacent to the suprascapular nerve at the midpoint between the suprascapular notch and the spinoglenoid notch. Sensory stimulation at 50 Hz and motor stimulation at 2 Hz will be performed to confirm appropriate needle placement. Pulsed radiofrequency will then be applied at 42°C for three cycles of 120 seconds.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Suprascapular Notch PRF | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the suprascapular nerve using the suprascapular notch approach. Receives: Procedure: PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Notch Approach) |
| Midpoint PRF | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the suprascapular nerve using the midpoint approach between the suprascapular notch and spinoglenoid notch. Receives: Procedure: PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Midpoint Approach) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Isokinetic Shoulder Abduction Peak Torque
Isokinetic peak torque of shoulder abduction will be measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (ISOMED 2000). Measurements will be performed to evaluate changes in muscle strength.
Measured: Baseline and 3 months
Secondary outcomes (5)
Pain Intensity (NPRS)
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Measured: Baseline, 24 hours, 1 month, and 3 months
Shoulder Function (SPADI)
Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) will be used to assess pain and functional status. SPADI is a validated questionnaire consisting of 13 items with a total score ranging from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate greater pain and disability (worse outcome).
Measured: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months
Supraspinatus and Infraspinatus Muscle Thickness
Muscle thickness will be measured using ultrasonography to evaluate structural changes in the rotator cuff muscles.
Measured: Baseline and 3 months
Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM)
Shoulder joint range of motion will be measured using a goniometer.
Measured: Baseline and 3 months
Quality of Life (SF-36)
Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. SF-36 consists of 8 domains, each scored from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate better health status (better outcome).
Measured: Baseline and 3 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Mar 2026
- Study start7 May 2026
- Primary completion30 Jun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Aug 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Chronic Shoulder PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Ankara City Hospital BilkentThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups using a computerized randomization method based on age and sex. One group will receive pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the suprascapular nerve via the suprascapular notch approach, while the other group will receive the same treatment via the midpoint approach.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ankara City Hospital Bilkent
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ayşe Merve Ata, Ankara City Hospital Bilkent
- Investigators
- Ayşe Merve Ata, MD, Principal investigator, Ankara City Hospital Bilkent
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07502209
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- TABED 1-26-2295
- Other IDs
- TABED 1-26-2295
- Acronym
- SUPRA-PRF
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 25 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 30 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Abd-Elsayed A, Argall TR, Henjum LJ, McKindsey DM, Perkins NA, Fiala KJ. Radiofrequency Ablation and Pulsed Radiofrequency of Suprascapular Nerves for Managing Chronic Shoulder Pain. Brain Sci. 2025 Aug 26;15(9):915. doi: 10.3390/brainsci15090915.
PubMed 41008275Jain E, O'Connor IT, Tram JK, Varlotta CA, Fiala KJ, Asaad FS, Chitneni A, Abd-Elsayed A. Radiofrequency ablation for shoulder pain: an updated systematic review. Ann Palliat Med. 2024 Jul;13(4):963-975. doi: 10.21037/apm-23-529. Epub 2024 Jul 4.
PubMed 38988077Tran J, Peng P, Agur A. Evaluation of suprascapular nerve radiofrequency ablation protocols: 3D cadaveric needle placement study. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2019 Sep 16:rapm-2019-100739. doi: 10.1136/rapm-2019-100739. Online ahead of print.
PubMed 31527162
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Suprascapular Notch and Midpoint Approaches in Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment of the Suprascapular Nerve on Pain and Function in Patients With Chronic Shoulder Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07502209
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SUPRA-PRF / TABED 1-26-2295
- Conditions
- Chronic Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
- Keywords
- Suprascapular Nerve, Pulsed Radiofrequency, Chronic Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Isokinetic Muscle Strength, Ultrasound Measurement, Shoulder Function
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Ankara City Hospital BilkentUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 7 May 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Aug 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 30 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aims to compare the effects of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment of the suprascapular nerve using suprascapular notch and midpoint approaches on pain, shoulder function, and muscle strength in patients with chronic shoulder pain due to rotator cuff tendinopathy. Patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups. Clinical evaluations will include pain assessment using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), functional assessment using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and quality of life assessment using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). In addition, shoulder range of motion will be measured goniometrically, muscle thickness of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus will be evaluated by ultrasonography, and shoulder muscle strength will be assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Assessments will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, 1 month, and 3 months after the intervention. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the optimal approach for PRF treatment of the suprascapular nerve in patients with chronic shoulder pain.
Detailed description
Chronic shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that significantly affects daily activities and quality of life. Rotator cuff tendinopathy is one of the most frequent causes of chronic shoulder pain. The suprascapular nerve plays a key role in shoulder pain transmission, and pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the suprascapular nerve has emerged as an effective minimally invasive treatment option.
Different anatomical approaches have been described for suprascapular nerve interventions, including the suprascapular notch and midpoint approaches. However, there is limited evidence comparing the clinical and functional outcomes of these approaches.
The aim of this prospective, randomized study is to compare the effects of PRF applied to the suprascapular nerve via suprascapular notch and midpoint approaches in patients with chronic shoulder pain due to rotator cuff tendinopathy. Patients will be randomly allocated into two groups according to the intervention approach.
Clinical evaluations will include pain assessment using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), functional evaluation using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and quality of life assessment using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). In addition, shoulder range of motion will be measured goniometrically. Muscle thickness of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus will be assessed using ultrasonography, and shoulder muscle strength will be evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer.
Assessments will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, 1 month, and 3 months following the intervention. The primary outcome of the study is the change in shoulder muscle strength, while secondary outcomes include pain, functional status, and muscle thickness.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the literature by identifying the optimal anatomical approach for suprascapular nerve PRF in the management of chronic shoulder pain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups using a computerized randomization method based on age and sex. One group will receive pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the suprascapular nerve via the suprascapular notch approach, while the other group will receive the same treatment via the midpoint approach.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Suprascapular Notch PRF | Experimental | Procedure: PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Notch Approach)Participants in this group will receive ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the suprascapular nerve using the suprascapular notch approach. |
| Midpoint PRF | Experimental | Procedure: PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Midpoint Approach)Participants in this group will receive ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the suprascapular nerve using the midpoint approach between the suprascapular notch and spinoglenoid notch. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Patients aged between 40 and 80 years
- Patients with chronic shoulder pain lasting longer than 3 months
- Patients diagnosed with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain
- Patients who show at least 50% pain reduction after diagnostic suprascapular nerve block
- Patients who provide written informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Adhesive capsulitis
- Previous shoulder surgery
- Full-thickness rotator cuff tear
- Neurological disorders affecting the shoulder
- Pacemaker
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Notch Approach)Under ultrasound guidance, a radiofrequency needle will be positioned adjacent to the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch. Sensory stimulation at 50 Hz and motor stimulation at 2 Hz will be performed to confirm appropriate needle placement. Pulsed radiofrequency will then be applied at 42°C for three cycles of 120 seconds. | Procedure or surgery | Suprascapular Notch PRF |
| PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Midpoint Approach)Under ultrasound guidance, a radiofrequency needle will be positioned adjacent to the suprascapular nerve at the midpoint between the suprascapular notch and the spinoglenoid notch. Sensory stimulation at 50 Hz and motor stimulation at 2 Hz will be performed to confirm appropriate needle placement. Pulsed radiofrequency will then be applied at 42°C for three cycles of 120 seconds. | Procedure or surgery | Midpoint PRF |
Primary outcome
Isokinetic Shoulder Abduction Peak Torque
Time frame: Baseline and 3 months
Isokinetic peak torque of shoulder abduction will be measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (ISOMED 2000). Measurements will be performed to evaluate changes in muscle strength.
5 secondary outcomes
Pain Intensity (NPRS)
Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours, 1 month, and 3 months
Shoulder Function (SPADI)
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months
Supraspinatus and Infraspinatus Muscle Thickness
Time frame: Baseline and 3 months
Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM)
Time frame: Baseline and 3 months
Quality of Life (SF-36)
Time frame: Baseline and 3 months
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Jun 2026.
- Background: PubMed 41008275Abd-Elsayed A, Argall TR, Henjum LJ, McKindsey DM, Perkins NA, Fiala KJ. Radiofrequency Ablation and Pulsed Radiofrequency of Suprascapular Nerves for Managing Chronic Shoulder Pain. Brain Sci. 2025 Aug 26;15(9):915. doi: 10.3390/brainsci15090915.
- Background: PubMed 38988077Jain E, O'Connor IT, Tram JK, Varlotta CA, Fiala KJ, Asaad FS, Chitneni A, Abd-Elsayed A. Radiofrequency ablation for shoulder pain: an updated systematic review. Ann Palliat Med. 2024 Jul;13(4):963-975. doi: 10.21037/apm-23-529. Epub 2024 Jul 4.
- Background: PubMed 31527162Tran J, Peng P, Agur A. Evaluation of suprascapular nerve radiofrequency ablation protocols: 3D cadaveric needle placement study. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2019 Sep 16:rapm-2019-100739. doi: 10.1136/rapm-2019-100739. Online ahead of print.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Ayşe Merve Ata, MD principal investigator
Ankara City Hospital Bilkent
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Notch Approach) and PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Midpoint Approach) in people with Chronic Shoulder Pain and Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, run by Ankara City Hospital Bilkent at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Gülberk Özok, MD (5325034077, gulberk.koc95@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Isokinetic Shoulder Abduction Peak Torque (time frame: Baseline and 3 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07502209, which also lists 3 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Jun 2026.