Use of Ultrasound Guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Rib Fractures

Abstract

Patients who have multiple rib fractures (MRFs) due to various etiologies like road traffic accidents, assault, falls from heights, etc. The morbidity and mortality increase significantly in presence of other injuries, and in elderly patients with comorbidities. Ultrasound (US) guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) is a fascial plane block that has been utilized for managing pain after thoracotomy, mastectomy, and fractured ribs. US-guided SAPB is a safe and effective fascial plane block for managing pain in patients who sustain MRFs. Further research in the form of well-designed and adequately powered RCTs is needed to confirm its use in patients with MRFs