Traumatic rib fractures (i.e., broken ribs caused by a physical injury) are common and very painful. They also often lead to serious complications, more time spent in hospital, and can even lead to death. Even after rib fractures have healed, they can lead to long-term pain and a lower quality of life. A technology called cryoneurolysis, which acts to freeze nerves causing pain using a small tool which can turn very cold, is a promising new way to manage rib fracture pain. This study is a test with a small number of people to see if it is feasible to use this technology for patients with rib fractures. If this is successful, we will recruit more people for a larger study to see if cryoneurolysis, along with standard pain control techniques, is better at stopping pain, compared to just the normal techniques alone. Participants in our study will be asked to rate their pain, and record pain medications that they take for 3 months after their pain procedure.
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Number of participants randomized over an 8 month period
Timeframe: Entire pilot study (approximately 8 months)
Number of participants able to adhere to the protocol
Timeframe: Entire pilot study (approximately 8 months + 3 month follow-up)
Number of participants able to adhere to the follow-up
Timeframe: 3 month follow-up
Rate of Adverse events
Timeframe: 3 month follow-up