Intercostal Neuralgia After Chest Tube Insertion in Traumatic Rib Fractures
Official title: Prospective Evaluation of Intercostal Neuralgia Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes in Patients With Chest Tube Insertion After Traumatic Rib Fractures
Run by Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre · NCT07308587 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This observational study tests how often intercostal neuralgia develops after chest tube placement for rib fractures and what factors predict it.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 19, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07308587 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years or older with traumatic rib fractures who require chest tube or pigtail insertion during initial hospitalization.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not develop intercostal neuralgia or who are lost to follow-up may not experience direct benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Traumatic rib fractures often require chest tubes to manage complications. This study prospectively collects clinical and imaging data to identify the development of chronic neuropathic pain along intercostal nerves after chest tube insertion. Researchers will differentiate neuralgia from ongoing rib fracture pain using a reproducible test at chest tube scar sites and track outcomes over time. Data include demographics, injury details, baseline and post-hospital assessments, and chest tube characteristics. The goal is to better understand incidence, risk factors, and long-term outcomes of post-traumatic intercostal neuralgia in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could clarify who is at risk for chronic intercostal neuralgia and inform strategies to prevent or manage it.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests chronic post-traumatic neuropathic pain is a real issue, but data specific to intercostal neuralgia after chest tube in rib fractures are limited; this study builds on observational work in the area.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults (≥18 years) with traumatic rib fractures requiring chest tube insertion * Chest tube or pigtail insertion performed during their initial hospitalization for trauma Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with spinal cord injury * Inability to complete follow-up assessments (e.g., language barriers, lack of telephone access) Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with traumatic brain injury * Patients with spinal cord injury * Inability to complete follow-up assessments (e.g., language barriers, lack of telephone access)
Where it's running
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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
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.