Serratus Plane Block for Rib Fractures

Effect of the Serratus Plane Block on the Outcome in Patient With Multiple Rib Fractures: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Patients with ipsilateral multiple rib fractures will be randomized to receive either a single-shot ultrasound-guided serratus plane block, or a continuous serratus plane block within 24h from the chest trauma. Primary outcome is the difference in forced respiratory volume (FEV1) at 72h.

Patients admitted in emergency department with a chest trauma and ipsilateral multiple rib fractures, will be randomized as described above. All patients will receive the serratus block with a ropivacaine 0.37% solution 20 ml. Then, they will randomized to receive either a peripheral catheter placed above the 5th rib on the middle axillary line, or nothing. In all patients postoperative analgesia also include Paracetamol 1g IV each 6h and a patient controlled analgesia (PCA) of morphine set out as follow: bolus 1 mg, loch out 15 min, max 4 boluses each hour. In all patients an arterial blood sample for gas analysis and a FEV1 will be achieved before the block, after 1 hour and at 72h.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 2 o more ipsilateral rib fractures
• Trauma within 24h from hospital admission
• Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chest drain
• head trauma
• bilateral rib fractures
• Intensive care admission