Prehospital serratus anterior plane block for rib fractures
Mallinson, Tom
Mallinson, Tom
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Abstract
Fractured ribs are a leading consequence of blunt chest trauma, afflicting approximately 12% of trauma patients (Kring et al, 2022; Singh et al, 2022). Beyond the physical injury, significant pain is associated with rib fractures, posing challenges in relation to adequate ventilation and carrying a significant risk of secondary morbidity. The resultant shallow tidal breathing due to painful rib fractures and the absence of deep inspiration contribute to hypoxemia, atelectasis, and V/Q mismatching, heightening the susceptibility to pneumonia and respiratory failure. When clinicians strive to provide effective pain control for these injuries,
they must navigate the delicate balance of minimising pharmacological complications (especially respiratory depression and hypotension from opioids), while optimising respiratory function and pain relief.
Abstract published with permission.