What is the recommended pain management approach for rib fracture?
Rib fractures are a common traumatic injury in which effective pain control is central to preventing respiratory complications. The first-line approach targets optimal analgesia while carefully limiting reliance on narcotics.
Current evidence-based practice recommends a multimodal pain regimen as the first-line treatment for rib fracture pain. In selected cases, this is combined with locoregional analgesia — involving specific nerve block techniques targeting the thoracic region. The full regimen includes the choice of block approach, the supporting analgesic components, and guidance on when locoregional techniques apply.
References
- Multimodal analgesia and locoregional anesthesia in selective cases are recommended to achieve optimal pain control while limiting narcotic use in light of their potential adverse effects.
- Given recent practice management guidelines, locoregional analgesia should focus more on paravertebral, erector spinae, and serratus anterior blockade.
- Expert opinion recommends that optimal multimodal analgesia should be the first-line treatment for rib fracture pain.
DOI: 10.1097/TA.0000000000004750
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