BACKGROUND: Painful spasticity in the shoulder is a debilitating condition that significantly impairs quality of life. Conservative treatments often fail to provide adequate relief, leaving patients with limited therapeutic options.

CASE REPORT: A retrospective study was conducted on 8 patients treated with the permanent Freedom® Peripheral Nerve Stimulator (PNS) System at the suprascapular nerve (SN) for painful shoulder spasticity. At baseline, patients reported a mean pain score of 7.6 ± 1.6. Following the trial phase, pain scores decreased to 2.9 ± 1.9 (62%; P < 0.001). At 3 months, the mean pain score was 3.2 ± 1.9 (58%; P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction was high, with 88% recommending the system and considering additional implants for other nerve targets. No adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS: The Curonix Freedom PNS System, targeting the SN, is an effective and safe therapy for treating chronic shoulder pain with spasticity, resistant to conservative therapy.

KEYWORDS: Peripheral nerve stimulation, chronic pain, shoulder pain, spasticity, suprascapular