Comparing pain relief methods for rib fractures
A Pilot Study Comparing Three Analgesia Approaches for Rib Fractures
This study is testing three different pain relief methods to see which one works best for older adults with rib fractures.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Thomas Jefferson University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06519929 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial is a randomized controlled trial that compares three different analgesic techniques for managing pain in patients with rib fractures. It involves 24 adult patients aged 55 and older who have sustained three or more unilateral rib fractures. Participants will be assigned to one of three groups: an ESP block with ropivacaine, a lidocaine bolus and infusion, or standard multimodal analgesia with opioids. The study aims to evaluate opioid use, pain ratings, and respiratory outcomes over the first 72 hours post-enrollment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 55 and older with three or more unilateral rib fractures who are hospitalized.
Not a fit: Patients with bilateral rib fractures, allergies to study medications, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients with rib fractures, potentially reducing opioid use.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on pain management for rib fractures, this specific comparison of analgesic techniques is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ≥ 55 years old * Sustained 3 or more unilateral rib fractures and are admitted to the hospital Exclusion Criteria: * Allergy to amide local anesthetics or any study medications * Pregnancy * Bilateral rib fractures * Coagulopathy (INR \> 1.5; platelets \< 100,000) * Conduction block on EKG * Spine fracture at the level of intended ESP block * Infection near the ESP insertion site or active bacteremia or sepsis * Any patient deemed a poor candidate for ESP block and/or lidocaine infusion will also be excluded
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eric Schwenk, MD — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Eric Schwenk, MD
- Email: Eric.Schwenk@jefferson.edu
- Phone: 2159556161
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.