The symptomatic rotator cuff tears can effectively be managed with the implementation of a suprascapular nerve block (SSNB), as per a piece of the study published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.

Participants with symptomatic partial- and full-thickness rotator cuff tears selected and obtained either an ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) versus subacromial injection (SA). Shoulder function was considered as the primary outcomes measured by modified Constant-Murley (CM) score and pain score at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after injection was regarded as the secondary outcome measured by a visual analogue scale.

A total of 43 shoulders were examined, out of which 21 underwent SSNBs and 22 underwent SAs. Nominal data and continuous variables were assessed by Fisher exact test (1 sided) and an independent t-test (2 tailed), respectively. SSNB group showed significantly higher mean change from the baseline CM score as compared to the SA group at six weeks and 12 weeks' follow up. The visual analogue scale score also improved significantly within the SSNB group than another group at 12 weeks. As per these findings, SSNB can effectively reduce pain and improve the functional outcomes of patients suffered from symptomatic rotator cuff tears.