Comparing two pain management techniques for multiple rib fractures

Impact of Ultrasound- Guided Continuous Retro Laminar Block Versus Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Block on Incentive Spirometry Volumes and Pain Scores in Multiple Rib Fractures

NA · Tanta University · NCT06088836

This study is testing two new ways to manage pain in adults with multiple rib fractures to see which one helps them feel better and breathe easier.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorTanta University (other)
Locations1 site (Tanta, El-Gharbia)
Trial IDNCT06088836 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided continuous Retrolaminar block and continuous Erector Spinae Plane block in managing pain and improving incentive spirometry volume in patients with multiple rib fractures. Both techniques are newer approaches to thoracic pain management that may offer advantages over traditional methods like thoracic epidural analgesia and thoracic paravertebral block, which can be technically challenging and carry risks. The study will involve patients aged 18 to 65 with unilateral multiple traumatic rib fractures, assessing their pain relief and respiratory function post-intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 65 with unilateral multiple traumatic rib fractures.

Not a fit: Patients with significant trauma outside the chest wall or those with contraindications for regional blocks will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a safer and more effective pain management option for patients with multiple rib fractures.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age from 18 to 65 years old.
* Both sexes.
* Patients with unilateral multiple traumatic rib fractures (≥ 3 ribs).

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1st ken refusal.
* Patients with any contraindication for regional block as:

  * Bleeding disorders.
  * Infection at the injection site.
  * Patients with hemodynamic instability.
* Patients with known hypersensitivity to the study drugs
* Unconscious patients
* Patients with significant trauma outside the chest wall e.g., acute spine or pelvic fracture, severe traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, or abdominal visceral injuries
* Patients with significant lung contusions, pneumothorax, flail chest
* Chronic opioid users.
* Uncooperative patients and patients with psychiatric illness

Where this trial is running

Tanta, El-Gharbia

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: Retrolaminar Block, Erector Spinae Plane Block, Spirometry, Pain, Multiple Rib Fractures

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.