Morbidity and mortality after serratus anterior plane block for unilateral anterolateral rib fractures
Official title: Assessment of Morbidity and Mortality Following Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) for Unilateral Rib Fractures
Run by Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NCT07032766 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether giving a serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) within 24 hours to adults with multiple unilateral anterolateral rib fractures can reduce complications like pneumonia, shorten hospital stay, improve discharge outcomes, and lower death compared with usual opioid-based pain control.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 220 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Albert Einstein College of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (The Bronx, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 2027 |
| Study ends | July 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07032766 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 or older who present within 24 hours to the Jacobi ED with two or more unilateral anterior or lateral rib fractures, are expected to require hospital admission, and can consent (or have a health care proxy) are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with bilateral or posterior rib fractures, those who are hemodynamically unstable or in traumatic arrest, pregnant patients, those expected to be discharged within 24 hours, people unable to consent, or those with significant distracting injuries or known anesthetic allergy are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from SAPB in this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will observe adults who present to the Jacobi Medical Center emergency department within 24 hours of injury with two or more unilateral anterior or lateral rib fractures. If a clinician trained in SAPB is available, the patient may receive an ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block; if not, the patient will receive standard systemic analgesia, typically opioids. Patients will be followed through hospital discharge and up to 60 days to record outcomes including pneumonia, length of stay, discharge disposition, and mortality. The study compares real-world outcomes between patients who receive SAPB and those who receive usual analgesic regimens.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, SAPB could reduce respiratory complications and mortality, shorten hospital stays, and decrease opioid exposure for patients with multiple unilateral rib fractures.
How similar studies have gone: Small observational studies and case series of fascial plane blocks, including SAPB, have shown improved pain control and reduced opioid use, but robust evidence that SAPB reduces pneumonia, length of stay, or mortality is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients over 18 years of age being treated in the Emergency Department at Jacobi Medical Center * Presenting within 24 hours of injury * Patient with 2 or more unilateral, anterior or lateral rib fractures * Able to provide consent (patient or health care proxy) * Clinical team believes the patient will require inpatient admission at the time of enrollment Exclusion Criteria: * Patients in traumatic arrest or hemodynamic instability * Patient expected to be discharged from the hospital within 24 hours * Prisoner * Pregnancy * Children less than 18 years of age * The patient is known or is suspected to be allergic to anesthetic * Significant pain from another traumatic and distracting injury * Patients without the ability to consent (or no health care proxy to consent) * Patients with bilateral or posterior rib fractures
Where it's running
-
Jacobi Medical Center
The Bronx, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michelle Montenegro, MD — Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jacobi medical center
- Study coordinator: Ariella Gartenberg, MD
- Email: ariella.applebaum@gmail.com
- Phone: 2017871762
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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.