Completed

NCT Number: NCT06757803

The Analgesic Effect of Retro-laminar Block Versus Paravertebral Block in Patients With Multiple Fracture Ribs

Rib fractures are a common injury, occurring in up to 10% of all trauma patients. Multiple rib fractures can be particularly painful and debilitating, making it difficult for patients to breathe and cough. This can lead to complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure.

Adequate pain control is essential for patients with rib fractures. This can help to improve respiratory function, reduce the risk of complications, and speed up recovery.

Paravertebral block (PVB) is a regional anaesthetic technique that is commonly used for pain management in patients with rib fractures. It involves injecting local anaesthetics into the paravertebral space, which is a region of tissue located between the transverse processes of the vertebrae and the pleura. PVB is an effective way to block the sensory nerves that supply the thoracic region, including the ribs.

However, PVB can be technically challenging to perform, and there is a risk of complications such as pneumothorax and pleural puncture.

Retrolaminar block (RLB) is a newer regional anaesthetic technique that has been proposed as an alternative to PVB for pain management in patients with rib fractures. RLB involves injecting local anaesthetics into the retrolaminar space, which is a region of tissue located between the lamina of the vertebra and the epidural space.

RLB is thought to be easier to perform than PVB, and there is a lower risk of complications. However, there is limited studies support the use of RLB for pain management in patients with rib fractures.

The primary objective of this research is to compare the analgesic efficacy of retrolaminar block (RLB) and paravertebral block (PVB) in patients with fracture ribs.

Secondary objectives include:

* To compare the safety of RLB and PVB * To compare the duration of analgesia provided by RLB and PVB

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Key information

Conditions

Rib Fracture Fractures, Bone Rib Fractures Thoracic Injuries Wounds and Injuries

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Assiut University Hospital

Asyut, Egypt

About this study

Adequate pain control is essential for patients with rib fractures. This can help to improve respiratory function, reduce the risk of complications, and speed up recovery.

However, PVB can be technically challenging to perform, and there is a risk of complications such as pneumothorax and pleural puncture.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

* Age 18 years or older

American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III
Rib fractures, as confirmed by X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan
Both sexes, males and females.

Exclusion criteria

*Patient refusal.

Infection at the injection site
Allergy to local anesthetics
Neurological deficit
Spinal deformity

Treatment and study plan

rertrolaminar block

Procedure

Positioning

The patient is positioned in a lateral decubitus position with the affected side up. The patient's arm on the affected side is placed behind the head. The patient's spine is aligned and the shoulder is elevated to expose the paravertebral space.

*Ultrasound imaging

A high-frequency linear ultrasound probe (5-12 MHz) is placed in a paramedian sagittal plane at the desired level of block. The probe is oriented so that the transverse processes are visualized on the lateral side of the screen and the vertebral laminae are visualized on the medial side of the screen. The interlaminar space is visualized as a hypoechoic region between the laminae.

*Needle insertion

A short bevel block needle (20-22 G) is inserted through the skin at the caudal end of the ultrasound probe, aiming cephalad. The needle is advanced under real-time ultrasound guidance until the tip of the needle contacts the lamina. The needle is then slightly withdrawn and the local anesthetic is injected into t

paravertebral block

Procedure

Patient Preparation
Place the patient in the lateral decubitus position with the side of the block facing up.
Position the patient's arm so that it is resting comfortably on the operating table.
Prepare the skin over the block site with an antiseptic solution.
Sterilely drape the area.
Ultrasound Imaging
Place the ultrasound probe in a transverse plane at the level of the desired block.
Identify the following anatomical landmarks:
Vertebral body
Transverse process
Pleura
Intercostal space
Needle Insertion

Use a sterile ultrasound-guided needle. Insert the needle in-plane from a lateral to medial direction, aiming for the apex of the paravertebral space.

The needle should be advanced until it is just beyond the transverse process.

*Test Aspiration

Aspirate to ensure that the needle is not in a blood vessel.

Local Anesthetic Injection
Inject the local anesthetic slowly, aspirating frequently.
The local anesthetic should be injected int

Primary outcomes

total post operative analgesic consumption

Time frame: 48 hours

total analgesic consumption in 1st 48hours

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Assiut University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2024
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Jan 3, 2025
Registry last updated: Jun 3, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed