Using ultrasound to block pain in patients with rib fractures
Ultrasound Guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block in ED Patients With Rib Fractures,
This study tests if using ultrasound to deliver pain relief for people with rib fractures can help them feel better and need less opioid medication compared to regular treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rhode Island Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Providence, Rhode Island) |
| Trial ID | NCT06299137 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of the Serratus Anterior Plane Block (UG-SAPB) in patients with rib fractures. It aims to determine if this intervention improves pain management, pulmonary function, and reduces the need for opioid medications compared to standard care. Participants will receive a ropivacaine injection and their outcomes will be assessed over the first 24 hours post-intervention. The study focuses on patients who have confirmed rib fractures and moderate pain levels.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with confirmed anterior or lateral rib fractures and a pain score of 5/10 or higher.
Not a fit: Patients with isolated rib fractures outside the T3-T9 range or those requiring immediate surgical intervention may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and opioid use in patients with rib fractures.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with regional anesthesia techniques for pain management in similar conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Radiology confirmed anterior or lateral rib fractures either on X-ray or chest computed tomography CT * pain score of 5/10. * Patients must be able to verbalize how much pain they are having on an 11-point Numeric Rating Pain Scale * perform an incentive spirometry and be able to cough on command Exclusion Criteria: * isolated rib fractures that do not include ribs T3-T9 * penetrating trauma, pregnancy * requiring immediate surgical or procedural intervention * known allergy to amide-type local anesthetics * have a painful distracting injury
Where this trial is running
Providence, Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Hospital — Providence, Rhode Island, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Leland K Perice, MD
- Email: lperice@lifespan.org
- Phone: 4014293441
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.