Pilot study comparing three analgesia approaches for rib fractures
Authors' conclusion
Analgesia was comparable between groups.
Study context
- Population
- Patients ≥ 55 years with at least three unilateral rib fracturesincluded in analyses
- Participants
- 24 patients
- Comparison
- Erector spinae plane (ESP) catheter vs lidocaine infusion vs multimodal analgesia alone
- Primary endpoint
- Average pain ratings and opioid consumption
- Follow-up
- 72 hours
Methodological detailspilot, three-arm
- Pilot
- Three-arm
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Pain ratings (day 3) · day 3
ESP
4.4
mean · SD 2.1
Lidocaine
5.8
mean · SD 2.6
Control
5.2
mean · SD 3.5
P = 0.70
Further findings
Median
| Outcome | ESP | Lidocaine | Control | P value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opioid consumption (co-primary)ESP vs Control · 3-group comparison; did not differ | 25.0 (IQR 66.8) | 26.7 (IQR 89.2) | 20.0 (IQR 101.4) | P = 0.68 |
Feasibility: recruitment
- Recruitment rate (patients per month)
- 2.4
- Withdrawals
- 2
- Definitive trial would require enrolling patients per month over three years
- 11
Pneumonia
- Occurred more frequently in controls
Delirium
- Occurred less frequently in ESP patients
Death before 30-day assessments
- Patients died
- 2
Safety
| Outcome | Lidocaine |
|---|---|
| Possible LASTDespite conservative dosing protocol | 3 events |
Original publication
Pilot study comparing three analgesia approaches for rib fractures. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published 20 May 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →