Erector Spinae Plane vs Serratus Anterior Plane Catheter Infusions for Acute Pain in Traumatic Rib Fractures

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

Adults with rib fractures receive continuous catheter-based regional anesthesia to manage pain while reducing opioid use. The study compares erector spinae plane (ESP) catheters to serratus anterior plane (SAP) catheters for ongoing analgesia. Participants are adults with multiple rib fractures admitted to hospital, and pain relief, opioid-sparing effects, and safety are monitored. The approach aims to improve breathing and reduce pulmonary complications by better pain control. The trial does not have a defined phase or randomized designation in the provided details.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>18;
* Traumatic rib fractures (unilateral or bilateral);
* Minimum of 3 rib fractures per side;
* Admitted to hospital for \<72 hours
* NRS pain score \> 4 at rest or with movement for chest pain at the time of eligibility assessment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow Coma Scale \< 9);
* Surgery performed/planned within 72 hours of catheter infusion start;
* Uncontrolled coagulopathy;
* Skin infection or anatomical abnormality (i.e. open fracture) at insertion sites;
* Allergy to local anesthetic;
* Chronic high dose opioid use preadmission (Morphine Equivalent Dose \> 30mg per day);
* Pregnancy;
* Acute respiratory failure requiring intubation at enrolment;
* Inability to comply with Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia use;
* Contraindications to nerve blocks
* High likelihood of loss to follow-up

Where it's running

• Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Howard Meng, MD
• Email: howard.meng@sunnybrook.ca
• Phone: 416-480-4864

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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.