TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRIC NERVE-STIMULATION (TENS) DURING DISTENSION SHOULDER ARTHROGRAPHY - A CONTROLLED TRIAL

Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is a safe and simple form of analgesia but is little used as an adjunct to local anaesthesi a during routine procedures. This trial investigates the use of TENS i n the radiology department using distension shoulder arthrography for 'frozen shoulder', a moderately painful procedure, as a model. Sixty p atients with a clinical diagnosis of 'frozen shoulder' were randomised to receive high-intensity TENS, low-intensity TENS or to act as contr ols. A standard procedure was then performed. Following the procedure patients completed a visual analogue pain scale. Mean recorded pain le vels were lower in the TENS groups with a 50% difference between the h igh-intensity group and a 38% difference between the low-intensity gro up as compared to control (difference statistically significant P < 0. 01 and P < 0.05, respectively). TENS was well tolerated by patients. T he 50% reduction in mean pain levels supports the use of TENS for rout ine painful procedures.