Pain relief for rib fractures using ultrasound-guided nerve block
Ultrasound Guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block Versus Standard Therapy for Analgesic Relief of Rib Fractures in the Emergency Department
This study is testing if a special ultrasound-guided nerve block can help people with multiple rib fractures feel less pain and breathe better compared to just using regular pain medications.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WellSpan Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (York, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT05748366 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of the serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) in managing pain for patients with multiple rib fractures in the emergency department. It compares the outcomes of patients receiving SAPB to those treated with standard analgesic medications alone. The study aims to assess not only pain relief but also respiratory function and overall clinical outcomes, including the need for additional care and length of hospital stay. By utilizing ultrasound guidance, the trial seeks to evaluate the safety and feasibility of this innovative pain management technique in an acute care setting.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with unilateral, acute rib fractures requiring pain management in the emergency department.
Not a fit: Patients under 18, those with significant distracting injuries, or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management and recovery for patients with rib fractures, potentially reducing the need for opioids.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar ultrasound-guided nerve block techniques for pain management, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \>18 years * \>1 Unilateral, acute rib fractures diagnosed on x-ray or CT imaging * Patient presenting to the WellSpan York Hospital ED * Patient requiring IV analgesia or oral opioid to control pain related to rib fractures Exclusion Criteria: * Age \<18 years * Inability to provide informed consent * Allergy to local anesthesia * Subsequent visit for rib fractures * Patients taken emergently to the OR or discharged from the ED * Significant distracting injuries/polytrauma that would not be expected to be responsive to analgesia from SAPB and confound pain scores, i.e. long bone fractures, intraabdominal injuries, etc.
Where this trial is running
York, Pennsylvania
- Wellspan Health York Hospital — York, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniel Kreider, MD — WellSpan Health
- Study coordinator: Daniel Kreider, MD
- Email: dkreider3@wellspan.org
- Phone: 717-851-5817
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.