Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 21 to 60

Comparing parascapular sub‑iliocostalis plane block versus thoracic paravertebral block for multiple rib fractures

Official title: Continuous Block of Parascapular Sub-Iliocostalis Plane Versus Thoracic Paravertebral Plane for Analgesia in Patients With Traumatic Multiple Rib Fractures

Run by Zagazig University · NCT07493473 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This tests whether a continuous parascapular sub‑iliocostalis plane block or a thoracic paravertebral block provides better pain relief and recovery for adults with unilateral multiple rib fractures.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages21 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
Enrollment36 (estimated)
SponsorZagazig University
Government
Locations1 site (Zagazig, Sharqia Province)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 1, 2025
Main results expectedJanuary 2027
Study endsJanuary 2027
Registry record updatedSeptember 3, 2026
Trial IDNCT07493473 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 21–60 with unilateral multiple rib fractures (two or more), ASA I–III, BMI under 35, able to give informed consent and not already on mechanical ventilation are the intended participants.

Probably not a fit

Patients with hemodynamic instability, need for mechanical ventilation, significant head injury, coagulopathy, infection at the injection site, pregnancy, or other injuries preventing safe block placement are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults with unilateral multiple rib fractures admitted to Zagazig University will be randomly selected and receive either a continuous parascapular sub‑iliocostalis plane block or a thoracic paravertebral block in addition to standard care. Baseline assessment includes vital signs, blood tests, chest X‑ray/CT to count rib fractures and calculate a Chest Trauma Score, and documentation of contraindications. Outcomes include pain scores, opioid requirements, hospital length of stay, ability to participate in physiotherapy, and block‑related complications such as pneumothorax or hemodynamic instability. Participants meet specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure safety and comparability.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve pain control, reduce opioid use and hospital stay, and make chest physiotherapy easier for patients with rib fractures.

How similar studies have gone: Thoracic paravertebral blocks are well‑established for rib fracture pain and superficial chest wall blocks like erector spinae and serratus anterior blocks have shown promising results, while continuous parascapular sub‑iliocostalis plane block is less well studied.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient written informed consent.
* ASA I to III.
* Age 21-60 years old.
* Gender: Both.
* BMI \< 35 Kg/M2.
* Accepted mental state of the patient.
* Patient with unilateral multiple rib fractures (≥2 fractures)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any trauma in the patient that interfere with the positioning of patients for block.
* Patients who needed mechanical ventilation before or during the study.
* Patients with associated head trauma.
* Patient with hemodynamic instability and need inotropic support. • Patient with abbreviated injury scale (AIS) in extremity more than 2 (10)
* Pathological coagulopathy.
* Infection at the injection site.
* Disturbed conscious level.
* An allergy to local anesthetics or any used drugs in this study.
* Pregnancy.

Where it's running

  • Zagazig university
    Zagazig, Sharqia Province, Egypt
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.