Comparing parascapular sub‑iliocostalis plane block versus thoracic paravertebral block for multiple rib fractures
Continuous Block of Parascapular Sub-Iliocostalis Plane Versus Thoracic Paravertebral Plane for Analgesia in Patients With Traumatic Multiple Rib Fractures
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Zagazig University Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Zagazig, Sharqia Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07493473 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Zagazig, Sharqia Province
- Zagazig university — Zagazig, Sharqia Province, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: R A Kamel, MD
- Email: ranion8598@gmail.com
- Phone: +201229927122
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.