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

The Efficacy of Continuous Intercostal Nerve Blocks in the Treatment of Patients With Multiple Rib Fractures

This is a prospective, randomized, non-blinded study comparing CINB plus medical therapy versus standard medical care (non-steroidals and opioids intravenous/oral inpatient and oral outpatient) alone for patients with multiple rib fractures. The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of continuous intercostal nerve block (CINB) in the treatment of patients admitted to the adult trauma service with rib fractures. The effectiveness of CINB as adjunctive treatment will be compared to standard medical therapy involving nonsteroidal and intravenous/oral opioid medications.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects will be at least 18 years old
• Subjects will have 2 or more identified rib fractures
• Subjects will be willing to provide informed consent for procedure
• Subjects will be identified as appropriate for initiation of continuous nerve block therapy for treatment of rib fracture associated pain.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Documented allergy to study medication
• Epidural catheter use
• Prisoners
• Refusal of CINB therapy