Comparing pain relief methods for rib fracture patients

Paravertebral Block Versus Simultaneous Ketamine and Lidocaine Infusions for Pain Management in Rib Fracture Patients

EARLY_PHASE1 · George Washington University · NCT04413799

This study is testing if a combination of lidocaine and ketamine can help relieve pain better than the usual paravertebral blocks for adults with rib fractures who aren't getting enough pain relief.

Quick facts

PhaseEARLY_PHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment170 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorGeorge Washington University (other)
Locations1 site (Washington, District of Columbia)
Trial IDNCT04413799 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of lidocaine and ketamine infusions compared to paravertebral blocks for managing pain in patients with rib fractures. Rib fractures are common in trauma patients and effective pain control is crucial for preventing complications such as pneumonia. The study aims to determine if the combination of lidocaine and ketamine can provide better pain relief than the standard paravertebral block approach. Patients aged 18 to 80 who have not responded to standard pain management will be included in the trial.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 with rib fractures requiring hospitalization and inadequate pain control from standard treatments.

Not a fit: Patients under 18, over 80, or those with severe comorbidities or conditions that complicate treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for rib fracture patients, enhancing recovery and reducing complications.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of lidocaine and ketamine for pain management has been studied separately, the concurrent use for rib fracture pain is relatively novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age 18-80 with rib fracture requiring hospitalization
* Failure of standard pain regimen as determined by RR \> 20, TV \< or equal to 50% predicted, NPS \> or equal to 5, Poor cough

Exclusion Criteria:

* age less than 18 years
* greater than 80 years
* GCS less than or equal to 13
* intubated at admission
* prior or anticipated exploratory laparotomy during this admission
* prior or expected thoracotomy during this admission
* prior or expected emergent craniotomy during this admission
* spinal cord injury
* pelvic injury that has required or will require operative intervention
* inability to accomplish activities of daily living independently
* pregnancy
* incarceration

Where this trial is running

Washington, District of Columbia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Rib Fractures, Rib Trauma, Rib Fracture Multiple, Pain, Acute

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.