Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Intercostal Nerve Block for Pain Management in Patients with Traumatic Rib Fractures

Abstract

Aim: Pain palliation is the most critical content of the treatment in traumatic rib fractures. The study aimed was to investigate the effect of including intercostal nerve block in the treatment of rib fractures on pain control. Material and Method: Patients treated for traumatic rib fractures in the thoracic surgery clinic of our center between February 2022 and June 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. The characteristics of the patients, their visual analogue scale scores, analgesic medication needs, and hospital stay were recorded. The data of the patients who underwent intercostal nerve blockade and those who were treated with standard analgesic medications were compared. Results: A total of 49 patients were included in the study. A total of 18 (36.7%) patients underwent daily intercostal nerve block. Standard pain treatment was applied to 31 (63.3%) patients. In the group of patients who underwent intercostal nerve blockade, the mean pain score on the third day and the mean need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication were significantly lower. Conclusion: In our study, the adding an intercostal nerve block to the treatment of rib fractures provided better pain control and reduced the need for analgesic medication.

Keywords

• chest trauma
• intercostal nerve block
• rib fractures

References

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