Comparison of Ultrasound-guided and Traditional Hematoma Blocks for Pain Relief in Distal Radius Fractures

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided hematoma blocks compared to traditional "blind" hematoma blocks for pain relief during the reduction of distal radius fractures. Hematoma blocks involve injecting lidocaine directly into the fracture site to provide analgesia. While effective, traditional blocks can be challenging when swelling or body shape obscures the fracture line. Ultrasound guidance has shown promise in improving pain relief in similar procedures but has not been compared in a randomized trial for this use. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive a bedside ultrasound-guided hematoma block with 0.25% bupivacaine for analgesia. The other group will receive the traditional hematoma block without ultrasound guidance, also using 0.25% bupivacaine. The study will compare the pain relief achieved by these two methods during fracture reduction. During the study, participants’ pain levels will be assessed using a Visual Analog Scale four hours after the procedure begins. The study involves adult patients with distal radius fractures presenting in the emergency department. Researchers will monitor pain reduction effectiveness and safety during the study period. Participation includes the treatment procedure and follow-up pain assessments to evaluate outcomes.

Hematoma Block for Distal Radius Fracture