Ultrasound Guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block in ED Patients With Rib Fractures

Launched by RHODE ISLAND HOSPITAL · Mar 6, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help manage pain in patients with rib fractures using a technique called the Serratus Anterior Plane Block (UG-SAPB). The researchers want to find out if this method can make pain more manageable and improve breathing and coughing abilities compared to standard care. They’ll also look at whether this technique can reduce the need for opioid medications, which are often prescribed for pain relief.

To be eligible for the trial, participants should be between 65 and 74 years old and have confirmed rib fractures that are causing significant pain (a score of 5 out of 10 or higher). They should also be able to tell the researchers how much pain they're feeling and be capable of performing some breathing exercises. However, certain patients—like those with specific types of injuries or conditions—won't be able to participate. If you join the trial, you’ll receive either the new pain management technique or the usual care for your rib fractures, and the team will monitor how well it works over the first few hours and days.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Radiology confirmed anterior or lateral rib fractures either on X-ray or chest computed tomography CT
• • pain score of 5/10.
• • Patients must be able to verbalize how much pain they are having on an 11-point Numeric Rating Pain Scale
• • perform an incentive spirometry and be able to cough on command
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • isolated rib fractures that do not include ribs T3-T9
• • penetrating trauma, pregnancy
• • requiring immediate surgical or procedural intervention
• • known allergy to amide-type local anesthetics
• • have a painful distracting injury