Results of Ultrasound-guided Interfascial Block of the Trapezius Muscle for Myofascial Pain

Objectives: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a regional pain syndrome that causes pain due to hyperirritable trigger points in the musculoskeletal system. Trapezius is one of the most commonly affected muscles in MPS. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an ultrasound-guided interfascial block of the trapezius muscle in patients with MPS.

Methods: The records of patients who underwent an ultrasound-guided interfascial block of the trapezius between November 2019 and October 2020 were retrospectively examined. The pain levels of the patients were evaluated with the numeric rating scale (NRS). Patients with a reduction in pain ≥50% after the procedure were considered to have benefited from the procedure.

Results: A total of 54 patients (41 women and 13 men) were evaluated. The mean NRS values of the patients were 7.16 (5-9) before the procedure, 3.31 (0-8) 10 min after the procedure, and 3.37 (0-8) 1 week after the procedure. The number of patients who benefited from the procedure was 40 (74.07%) 10 min after the procedure. The number of patients who benefited from the procedure for up to 1 week, 1-2 weeks, 2 weeks-1 month, 1-3 months, and more than 3 months after the procedure was 38 (70.37%), 36 (66.66%), 31 (57.40%), 26 (48.14%), and 17 (31.48%), respectively.

Conclusion: Pain relief lasting for months was achieved in most of the patients. We believe that ultrasound-guided interfascial block of the trapezius is effective for the treatment of MPS.