CompletedEarly Phase 1

Ultrasound Guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block in ED Patients With Rib Fractures

United States40 participantsStarted 2024-07-01

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to test the effectiveness of the Serratus Anterior Plane Block in patients with rib fractures. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Determine if UG-SAPB results in an improved pain, incentive spirometry, and cough ability (PIC) score when compared to usual care over the first five hours. * Evaluate if UG-SAPB results in fewer opioid medications administered when compared to usual care over the first 24 hours. Participants will undergo the Serratus Anterior Plane. Researchers will compare this to usual care to see if this intervention improves pulmonary function and reduces opioid requirements for ED patients with rib fractures.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Radiology confirmed anterior or lateral rib fractures either on X-ray or chest computed tomography CT * pain score of 5/10. * Patients must be able to verbalize how much pain they are having on an 11-point Numeric Rating Pain Scale * perform an incentive spirometry and be able to cough on command Exclusion Criteria: * isolated rib fractures that do not include ribs T3-T9 * penetrating trauma, pregnancy * requiring immediate surgical or procedural intervention * known allergy to amide-type local anesthetics * have a painful distracting injury

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

PIC Score

Timeframe: 5 hours

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06299137

SponsorRhode Island Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-12-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Rib Fractures trials