Study of Continuous Intercostal Nerve Block Compared to Standard Medical Care for Adults With Multiple Rib Fractures

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of continuous intercostal nerve block CINB alongside standard medical therapy compared to standard medical care alone for adults with multiple rib fractures. The study aims to analyze the effect of CINB in patients admitted to the adult trauma service, focusing on its role as an additional treatment to nonsteroidal and opioid medications. This is a randomized, non-blinded Phase 4 study investigating the effectiveness of CINB in this setting. Participants in the study are assigned to receive either CINB with continuous local intercostal infusion of 0.2% Ropivacaine or standard medical care involving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioid pain medications given intravenously or orally. For CINB, one or two catheters are placed depending on the area involved, and treatment may continue after hospital discharge as part of standard care. The standard care group receives pain medications per usual hospital protocols. During the study, researchers will monitor participants over 7 days for outcomes such as length of hospital stay, daily pain scores, morphine use, respiratory measures, and patient-reported quality of life. Hospital-free days will also be assessed up to 30 days. The study collects various clinical data to compare the effectiveness of CINB plus medical therapy versus standard care alone in managing rib fracture pain and recovery.

INTERCOSTAL NERVE BLOCK: Efficacy of CINB for Patients With Multiple Rib Fractures