Analgesic Choice in Management of Rib Fractures

Critical care innovations: navigating pain relief in intensive care: the role of regional anesthesia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this article is to provide an update of regional anesthesia and its applications in the critical care patient population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Regional anesthesia including blocks of the abdomen and thorax, head and neck, as well as upper and lower extremities can be used to alleviate pain and assist in managing life-threatening conditions such as cerebral vasospasm and ventricular storm in the ICU population. There have been many advances in these techniques including ultrasound-guidance with innovative approaches that allow for more superficial procedures that are safer for critically ill patients. Regional anesthesia can decrease hospital length of stay (LOS), prevent ICU admission, shorten ICU LOS, and increase ventilator free days and may have mortality benefits.

SUMMARY

Pain management in the ICU is an important and sometimes challenging aspect of patient care. Regional anesthetic techniques have more indications and are safe, versatile tools that should be incorporated into care of critically ill patients.

Latest Advances in Regional Anaesthesia

Training and expertise in regional anaesthesia have increased significantly in tandem with increased interest over the past two decades. This review outlines the most recent advances in regional anaesthesia and focuses on novel areas of interest including fascial plane blocks. Pharmacological advances in the form of the prolongation of drug duration with liposomal bupivacaine are considered. Neuromodulation in the context of regional anaesthesia is outlined as a potential future direction. The growing use of regional anaesthesia outside of the theatre environment and current thinking on managing the rebound plane after regional block regression are also discussed. Recent relevant evidence is summarised, unanswered questions are outlined, and priorities for ongoing investigation are suggested.

Analgesia for rib fractures: a narrative review

PURPOSE

Rib fracture(s) is a common and painful injury often associated with significant morbidity (e.g., respiratory complications) and high mortality rates, especially in the elderly. Risk stratification and prompt implementation of analgesic pathways using a multimodal analgesia approach comprise a primary endpoint of care to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with rib fractures. This narrative review aims to describe the most recent evidence and care pathways currently available, including risk stratification tools and pharmacologic and regional analgesic blocks frequently used as part of the broadly recommended multimodal analgesic approach.

SOURCE

Available literature was searched using PubMed and Embase databases for each topic addressed herein and reviewed by content experts.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Four risk stratification tools were identified, with the Study of the Management of Blunt Chest Wall Trauma score as most predictive. Current evidence on pharmacologic (i.e., acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gabapentinoids, ketamine, lidocaine, and dexmedetomidine) and regional analgesia (i.e., thoracic epidural analgesia, thoracic paravertebral block, erector spinae plane block, and serratus anterior plane block) techniques was reviewed, as was the pathophysiology of rib fracture(s) and its associated complications, including the development of chronic pain and disabilities.

CONCLUSION

Rib fracture(s) continues to be a serious diagnosis, with high rates of mortality, development of chronic pain, and disability. A multidisciplinary approach to management, combined with appropriate analgesia and adherence to care bundles/protocols, has been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality. Most of the risk-stratifying care pathways identified perform poorly in predicting mortality and complications after rib fracture(s).

Non-Neuraxial Chest and Abdominal Wall Regional Anesthesia for Intensive Care Physicians-A Narrative Review

Multi-modal analgesic strategies, including regional anesthesia techniques, have been shown to contribute to a reduction in the use of opioids and associated side effects in the perioperative setting. Consequently, those so-called multi-modal approaches are recommended and have become the state of the art in perioperative medicine. In the majority of intensive care units (ICUs), however, mono-modal opioid-based analgesic strategies are still the standard of care. The evidence guiding the application of regional anesthesia in the ICU is scarce because possible complications, especially associated with neuraxial regional anesthesia techniques, are often feared in critically ill patients. However, chest and abdominal wall analgesia in particular is often insufficiently treated by opioid-based analgesic regimes. This review summarizes the available evidence and gives recommendations for peripheral regional analgesia approaches as valuable complements in the repertoire of intensive care physicians' analgesic portfolios.

Beyond the short-term relief: Outcomes of geriatric rib fracture patients receiving paravertebral nerve blocks and epidural analgesia

BACKGROUND

Adequate pain control is a critical component of rib fracture management. Our study aimed to evaluate the in-hospital and post-discharge outcomes of geriatric rib fracture patients who received paravertebral nerve block (PVNB) versus epidural analgesia (EA) on a national level.

METHODS

We performed a 5-year (2011-15) retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Readmission database. We included all the geriatric (≥65 years) blunt trauma patients with rib fractures who received a paravertebral nerve block (PVNB) or Epidural analgesia (EA) for chest injuries. We excluded patients who were dead on arrival, those with head AIS≥3, spine AIS >0, and those with cognitive impairment. Patients were stratified into two groups (PVNB and EA). A propensity score matching (1:2) was performed, and the two groups were compared. Our outcomes included delirium, hospital length of stay (LOS), 90-day readmissions, 90-day mechanical ventilation, and initial and 90-day mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 2,855 geriatric rib fracture patients were identified, out of which 352 (12 %) received PVNB and 2,503 (87 %) received EA. The mean (SD) age was 78 (8) years and 53 % were female. A total of 1,041 patients were matched (PVNB=347, EA=694 patients). The median [IQR] Injury severity score was 9 [3-15], median chest AIS was 3 [2-4], and 70 % had ≥3 rib fractures. The total mortality during index admission was 6 %, 13 % experienced delirium, and the median hospital LOS was 6 [4-10] days. There was no difference in the primary outcomes of the two groups including rates of index admission mortality (PVNB: 5.2% vs. EA:6.3 %, p = 0.548) and delirium (PVNB: 12.4% vs. EA:12.9 %, p = 0.862). We also found no statistically significant difference between these groups in terms of 90-day respiratory complications (p = 1.000), 90-day readmission (p = 0.111), 90-day mortality (p = 0.718), and 90-day need for mechanical ventilation (p = 1.000).

CONCLUSION

The use of PVNB in geriatric trauma patients with multiple rib fractures is associated with comparable in-hospital and post-discharge outcomes relative to EA. PVNB is relatively easy to perform and has a better side effect profile. The use of PVNB as part of rib fracture management protocols warrants further consideration.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III STUDY TYPE: Therapeutic/Care Management.

Regional anesthesia and POCUS in the intensive care unit

This chapter focuses on resident recruitment and recent US National Resident Matching Program changes and the impact in the evaluation and ranking of applicants within the specialty of anesthesiology. Recruitment challenges are examined as well as program strategies and potential future directions. Also discussed are DEI initiatives within the recruitment process.

Perioperative considerations for patients undergoing surgical stabilization of rib fractures: A narrative review

Surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) has become an increasingly common management strategy for traumatic rib fractures. Although historically managed with supportive care, patients with multiple rib fractures and flail chest increasingly undergo SSRF, and so the anesthesiologist must be well-versed in the perioperative management and pain control for these patients, as controlling pain in this population is associated with decreased length of stay and improved outcomes. There are multiple modalities that can be used for both pain control and as part of the anesthetic plan in patients undergoing SSRF. This narrative review provides a comprehensive summary of anesthetic considerations for surgical rib fracture patients, covering the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods. We describe an approach to the assessment of high-risk patients, analgesic and anesthetic techniques including emerging techniques within locoregional anesthesia, ventilation strategies, and potential complications. This review also identifies areas where additional research is needed to ensure optimal anesthetic management for patients undergoing SSRF.

Timing of regional analgesia in elderly patients with blunt chest-wall injury

BACKGROUND

Rib fractures represent a typical injury pattern in older people and are associated with respiratory morbidity and mortality. Regional analgesia modalities are adjuncts for pain management, but the optimal timing for their initiation remains understudied. We hypothesized that early regional analgesia would have similar outcomes to late regional analgesia.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database from 2017 to 2019. We included patients ≥65 years old admitted with blunt chest wall trauma who received regional analgesia. We divided patients into 2 groups: (1) early regional analgesia (within 24 hours of admission) and (2) late regional analgesia (>24 hours). The outcomes evaluated were ventilator-associated pneumonia, mortality, unplanned intensive care unit admission, unplanned intubation, discharge to home, and duration of stay. Univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression adjusting for patient and injury characteristics, trauma center level, and respiratory interventions were performed.

RESULTS

In the study, 2,248 patients were included. The mean (standard deviation) age was 75.3 (6.9), and 52.7% were male. The median injury severity score (interquartile range) was 13 (9-17). The early regional analgesia group had a decreased incidence of unplanned intubation (2.7% vs 5.3%, P = .002), unplanned intensive care unit admission (4.9% vs 8.4%, P < .001), and shorter mean duration of stay (5.5 vs 6.5 days, P = .002). In multivariable analysis, early regional analgesia was associated with decreased odds of unplanned intubation (odds ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.94; P = .026), unplanned intensive care unit admission (odds ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.041-0.86; P = .006), and increased odds of discharge to home (odds ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.55; P = .019). After multivariable adjustment, no significant difference was found for ventilator-associated pneumonia or mortality (odds ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-1.04; P = .070).

CONCLUSION

Early regional analgesia initiation is associated with improved outcomes in older people with blunt chest wall injuries. Geriatric trauma care bundles targeting early initiation of regional analgesia can potentially decrease complications and resource use.

A novel, evidence-based, comprehensive clinical decision support system improves outcomes for patients with traumatic rib fractures

BACKGROUND

Traumatic rib fractures are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) have been shown to improve adherence to evidence-based (EB) practice and improve clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to investigate if a rib fracture CDSS reduced hospital length of stay (LOS), 90-day and 1-year mortality, unplanned ICU transfer, and the need for mechanical ventilation. The independent association of two process measures, an admission EB order set and a pain-inspiratory-cough score early warning system, with LOS were investigated.

METHODS

The CDSS was scaled across nine US trauma centers. Following multiple imputation, multivariable regression models were fit to evaluate the association of the CDSS on primary and secondary outcomes. As a sensitivity analysis, propensity score matching was also performed to confirm regression findings.

RESULTS

Overall, 3,279 patients met inclusion criteria. Rates of EB practices increased following implementation. On risk-adjusted analysis, in-hospital LOS preintervention versus postintervention was unchanged (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97-1.15, p = 0.2) but unplanned transfer to the ICU was reduced (odds ratio, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.09-0.84, p = 0.024), as was 1-year mortality (hazard ratio, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.89, p = 0.01). Provider utilization of the admission order bundle was 45.3%. Utilization was associated with significantly reduced LOS (IRR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.77-0.98; p = 0.019). The early warning system triggered on 34.4% of patients; however, was not associated with a significant reduction in hospital LOS (IRR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.55-1.06; p = 0.1).

CONCLUSION

A novel, user-centered, comprehensive CDSS improves adherence to EB practice and is associated with a significant reduction in unplanned ICU admissions and possibly mortality, but not hospital LOS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Comprehensive Review of Current Pain Management in Rib Fractures With Practical Guidelines for Clinicians

Rib fractures are present in 15% of all traumas and 60% of patients with chest traumas. Rib fractures are not life-threatening in isolation, but they can be quite painful which leads to splinting and compromise of respiratory function. Splinting limits the ability of a patient to take a deep breath, which leads to atelectasis, atelectasis to poor secretion removal, and poor secretion removal leads to pneumonia. Pneumonia is the common pathway to respiratory failure in patients with rib fractures. It is noted that in the elderly, each rib fracture increases developing pneumonia by 27% and the risk of dying by 19%. From a public health perspective, rib fractures have long-term implications with only 59% of patients returning to work at 6 months. In this review we will examine the state of art as it currently exists with regard to the management of pain associated with rib fractures. Included in this overview will be a brief review of the anatomy of the thorax and some important physiologic concepts, the latest trends in pharmacologic and noninvasive means of managing rib pain, a special section on epidural anesthesia, some other alternative invasive methods of pain control, and a review of the recent literature on rib plating. Finally, a practical, easy to follow guideline, to manage the patient with pain from rib fractures will be presented.

Non-surgical management and analgesia strategies for older adults with multiple rib fractures: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and joint practice management guideline from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma and the Chest Wall Injury Society

BACKGROUND

Chest wall injury in older adults is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Optimal nonsurgical management strategies for these patients have not been fully defined regarding level of care, incentive spirometry (IS), noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), and the use of ketamine, epidural, and other locoregional approaches to analgesia.

METHODS

Relevant questions regarding older patients with significant chest wall injury with patient population(s), intervention(s), comparison(s), and appropriate selected outcomes were chosen. These focused on intensive care unit (ICU) admission, IS, NIPPV, and analgesia including ketamine, epidural analgesia, and locoregional nerve blocks. A systematic literature search and review were conducted, our data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively, and the quality of evidence was assessed per the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology. No funding was used.

RESULTS

Our literature review (PROSPERO 2020-CRD42020201241, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, January 15, 2020) resulted in 151 studies. Intensive care unit admission was qualitatively not superior for any defined cohort other than by clinical assessment. Poor IS performance was associated with prolonged hospital length of stay, pulmonary complications, and unplanned ICU admission. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation was associated with 85% reduction in odds of pneumonia ( p < 0.0001) and 81% reduction in odds of mortality ( p = 0.03) in suitable patients without risk of airway loss. Ketamine use demonstrated no significant reduction in pain score but a trend toward reduced opioid use. Epidural and other locoregional analgesia techniques did not affect pneumonia, length of mechanical ventilation, hospital length of stay, or mortality.

CONCLUSION

We do not recommend for or against routine ICU admission. We recommend use of IS to inform ICU status and conditionally recommend use of NIPPV in patients without risk of airway loss. We offer no recommendation for or against ketamine, epidural, or other locoregional analgesia.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic Review/Meta-analysis; Level IV.

Rib fracture-related morbidity and mortality for older persons in the era of fascial plane blocks: A cohort study

Introduction

Analgesia is key to successful conservative, nonsurgical management of patients admitted to the hospital with multiple rib fractures. Recently, new fascial plane regional anesthesia techniques have become widely available. We hypothesized that since the introduction of these new regional analgesia techniques, for patients over the age of 65 years, the effect of increasing numbers of rib fractures has been mitigated.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients admitted for the management of rib fractures between 2017 and 2020 was performed. Patients not admitted to the hospital, under the age of 65 years, or with chest trauma other than rib fractures were not eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome of interest was mortality. The secondary outcomes were the incidence of pneumonia and intensive care unit admission. Results were reported as the odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval and associated p-value. Statistical significance was set at [Formula: see text] < 0.05.

Results

Overall, 252 patients were included and 142 patients received a regional anesthesia. The mortality rate was 4% (n = 10) with no association between mortality and number of rib fractures ( p = 0.215). Twenty-four patients (9.5%) developed pneumonia during their hospital stay, again with no association with an increasing number of rib fractures. The intensive care unit admission rate was 13.1% (n = 33) and correlated with an increasing number of fractures (odds ratio = 1.15; 95% confidence interval = 1.01 to 1.31; p = 0.038).

Conclusion

Management including liberal utilization of regional anesthesia for at-risk patients appears to mitigate the effect of increasing numbers of rib fractures on the incidence of mortality and pneumonia.

Outcomes After Orthopedic Trauma Surgery - What is the Role of the Anesthesia Choice?

The body of literature concerning the influence of anesthetic type on many perioperative outcomes has grown considerably in recent years. Most studies have suggested that particularly in orthopedic patients, regional anesthesia may be associated with improved perioperative outcomes. Orthopedic trauma presents itself as a field that might benefit from increased utilization of regional techniques with the goal to improve outcomes. This narrative review concludes that, indeed, regional anesthesia seems to provide benefits for morbidity, pain control, and improved return to function in hip fracture, rib fracture, and isolated extremity fracture patients.

Long term outcomes following rib fracture fixation in patients with major chest trauma

BACKGROUND

Severe chest injuries are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Surgical rib fixation has become a more commonplace procedure to improve chest wall mechanics, pain, and function. The aim of this study was to characterise the epidemiology and long-term functional outcomes of chest trauma patients who underwent rib fixation in a major trauma centre (MTC).

METHODOLOGY

This was a retrospective review (2014-19) of all adult patients with significant chest injury who had rib fixation surgery following blunt trauma to the chest. The primary outcome was functional recovery after hospital discharge, and secondary outcomes included length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, maximum organ support, tracheostomy insertion, ventilator days.

RESULTS

60 patients underwent rib fixation. Patients were mainly male (82%) with median age 52 (range 24-83) years, injury severity score (ISS) of 29 (21-38), 10 (4-19) broken ribs, and flail segment in 90% of patients. Forty-six patients (77%) had a good outcome (GOSE grade 6-8). Patients in the poor outcome group (23%; GOSE 1-5) tended to be older [55 (39-83) years vs. 51 (24-78); p = 0.05] and had longer length of hospital stay [42 (19-82) days vs. 24 (7-90); p<0.01]. Injury severity, rate of mechanical ventilation or organ dysfunction did not affect long term outcome. Nineteen patients (32%) were not mechanically ventilated.

CONCLUSIONS

Rib fixation was associated with good long-term outcomes in severely injured patients. Age was the only predictor of long-term outcome. The results suggest that rib fixation be considered in patients with severe chest injuries and may also benefit those who are not mechanically ventilated but are at risk of deterioration.

Cryoneurolysis of Intercostal Nerve for Rib Trauma and Intercostal Neuralgia in the Emergency Department: A Multidisciplinary Approach

BACKGROUND

Management of pain from traumatic rib injury is very challenging. Both acute and chronic pain caused by rib injury can cause significant morbidity (pain-induced hypoventilation, pneumonia, respiratory failure) and functional hindrance. Traditional pain management strategies in the emergency department (ED) that target acute traumatic rib pain are limited by the side effects of medications or the temporary half-life of anesthetics used for a nerve block. Both treatment modalities fall short of addressing subsequent chronic sequelae.

CASE REPORT

We present the first-time use of cryoneurolysis on an ED patient for the treatment of 10/10 severe traumatic intercostal neuralgia that resulted in the patient being discharged home pain free. The patient initially underwent a multilevel left-sided T5-T7 intercostal nerve block, followed by ultrasound-guided percutaneous cryoneurolysis of those intercostal nerves using two cycles of 2 min of cooling to a temperature of -70°C (nitrous oxide), with 30 s of thawing in between. The patient experienced 100% pain relief immediately post procedure that was sustained. He remained completely symptom free more than 6 months after the bedside procedure and returned to sports without restrictions. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? This case highlights the benefits of cross-departmental collaboration between the ED, Anesthesia, and Pain Management. We hope this model of multidisciplinary pain modulation can be replicated for other patients with similar pain and can herald a new paradigm of pain management in the ED.

Developing a National Trauma Research Action Plan: Results from the geriatric research gap Delphi survey

BACKGROUND

Treating older trauma patients requires a focus on the confluence of age-related physiological changes and the impact of the injury itself. Therefore, the primary way to improve the care of geriatric trauma patients is through the development of universal, systematic multidisciplinary research. To achieve this, the Coalition for National Trauma Research has developed the National Trauma Research Action Plan that has generated a comprehensive research agenda spanning the continuum of geriatric trauma care from prehospital to rehabilitation.

METHODS

Experts in geriatric trauma care and research were recruited to identify current gaps in clinical geriatric research, generate research questions, and establish the priority of these questions using a consensus-driven Delphi survey approach. Participants were identified using established Delphi recruitment guidelines ensuring heterogeneity and generalizability. On subsequent surveys, participants were asked to rank the priority of each research question on a nine-point Likert scale, categorized to represent low-, medium-, and high-priority items. The consensus was defined as more than 60% of panelists agreeing on the priority category.

RESULTS

A total of 24 subject matter experts generated questions in 109 key topic areas. After editing for duplication, 514 questions were included in the priority ranking. By round 3, 362 questions (70%) reached 60% consensus. Of these, 161 (44%) were high, 198 (55%) medium, and 3 (1%) low priority.

CONCLUSION

Among the questions prioritized as high priority, questions related to three types of injuries (i.e., rib fracture, traumatic brain injury, and lower extremity injury) occurred with the greatest frequency. Among the 25 highest priority questions, the key topics with the highest frequency were pain management, frailty, and anticoagulation-related interventions. The most common types of research proposed were interventional clinical trials and comparative effectiveness studies, outcome research, and health care systems research.

Feasibility of Opioid-Free Anesthesia for Cervical Rib Excision: A Case Series and Review of Literature

Background Perioperative pain management following cervical rib excision can be compounded in the background of chronic pain disorder caused by the neurovascular compression. The former mandates an enhanced analgesic requirement wherein the perioperative opioid use, in particular, can be associated with a peculiar adverse-effect profile and abuse potential. Appropriate to the context, an opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) protocol can be instrumental in minimizing the incidence of the aforementioned.

Case Series While two patients necessitated OFA owing to opioid contraindication, the formulated protocol was evaluated in another six consecutive patients posted for elective cervical rib excision. A combined paravertebral block and superficial cervical plexus block was employed alongside general anesthesia. Intravenous dexmedetomidine and lignocaine assisted the conduct of OFA, and paracetamol dosing was continued into the postoperative period. Intraoperative rescue analgesia was ensured by a ketofol bolus (1:1 mixture of ketamine and propofol) whereas intravenous diclofenac was used for postoperative rescue analgesia.

Results OFA could be successfully contemplated in all eight patients. A single bolus rescue dose of ketofol had to be administered in two patients intraoperatively and diclofenac had to be administered as postoperative rescue analgesic in two patients. There was no incidence of postoperative nausea/vomiting or any block-related complications. The postoperative stay was uneventful with an acceptable patient satisfaction.

Conclusion The index experience reiterates the fact that a prudent combination of nonopioid multimodal analgesics with case-based locoregional techniques can feature as a successful OFA protocol, albeit mandating future prospective studies in this novel area of clinical interest.

Rib fractures in blunt chest trauma: factors that influence daily patient controlled opiate use during acute care

BACKGROUND

Opiates are frequently used in the inpatient management of chest wall injury following blunt trauma. However, the daily sum of opiates used during acute care, and the impact that additional injuries or rib fracture displacement may have on daily opiate requirement is unknown.

METHODS

A retrospective sample of 85 adult patients admitted to a tertiary trauma centre between April 2018 and October 2019 after a major chest wall injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale >2) and referral to Acute Pain Management Service was used in this study. Daily opiate usage was calculated each day for the first seven days following initial admission and converted to morphine milliequivalents (MME). Additional adjunct analgesia therapy was also recorded each day. The presence of rib fracture displacement and concurrent clavicle/scapular fractures was also noted. A comparison of the average daily MME for the various subgroups of interest was performed.

RESULTS

The maximum average MME in patients with rib fractures typically occurs at day 2 post injury and admission, with the highest day 2 average MME being in the Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) and ketamine subgroup. Presence of rib displacement delayed the onset of maximal MME to day 3 and resulted in higher average MME over the total seven days. Patients with concurrent clavicle or scapular fractures also had higher average MME each day, regardless of the addition of a regional block.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has demonstrated the daily opioid requirement is maximal on day 2 post-admission following isolated major chest wall injury. The addition of a regional block resulted in a reduction of the average MME used each day over the first seven days post-admission, compared to ketamine when added to PCA. The presence of displaced rib fractures or clavicle/scapular fractures increased the MME used each day, changed the day of peak consumption and increased the average daily opioid requirement during acute hospitalisation.

Safety of Continuous Erector Spinae Catheters in Chest Trauma: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The erector spinae block is an efficacious analgesic option for the management of rib fracture--related pain. Despite there being minimal published data specifically addressing the safety profile of this block, many societies have made statements regarding its safety and its use as an alternative to traditional regional anesthesia techniques in patients at risk of complications. The primary aim of this study was to characterize the safety profile of erector spinae plane block catheters by determining the incidence of early complications. The secondary aim of this study was to characterize the incidence of late adverse events, as well as the erector spinae plane block catheter failure rate.

METHODS

We analyzed electronic medical record data of patients who had an erector spinae plane block catheter inserted for the management of rib fractures between November 2017 and September 2020. To assess early adverse events, data collection included hypotension, hypoxemia, local anesthetic systemic toxicity, and pneumothorax thought to be associated with erector spinae plane block catheter insertion. Late complications included catheter site infection and catheter site hematoma.

RESULTS

A total of 224 patients received 244 continuous erector spinae catheters during the study period. After insertion of the erector spinae, there were no immediate complications such as hypotension, hypoxia, local anesthetic toxicity, or pneumothorax. Of all blocks inserted, 7.7% were removed due to catheter failure (8.4 per 100 catheters; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.1-13.9 per 100 catheters). This resulted in a failure rate of 1.9 per 1000 catheter days (95% CI, 1.1-6.7 catheter days). Late complications included 2 erythematous catheter sites and 2 small hematomas not requiring intervention. The incidence of a minor late complication was 16.7 per 1000 catheters (95% CI, 6.1-45.5 per 1000 catheters).

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the statements made by regional anesthesia societies regarding the safety of the erector spinae plane block. Based on the results presented in this population of trauma patients, the erector spinae plane block catheter is a low-risk analgesic technique that may be performed in the presence of abnormal coagulation status or systemic infection.

A retrospective study comparing analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block versus intravenous fentanyl infusion in patients with multiple rib fractures

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Inadequately managed pain due to multiple rib fractures (MRFs) can lead to atelectasis, pneumonia, prolonged ICU stay thereby leads to significant morbidity, morbidity and cost of treatment. Opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and regional anaesthesia techniques like thoracic epidural or paravertebral blocks, intercostal nerve blocks are used to manage pain. Serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) is an ultrasound (US) guided interfascial plane block which has been used in managing pain due to MRFs. In this retrospective study, we compared analgesic efficacy and 24 hr fentanyl consumption in patients with MRFs who were managed with continuous SAPB versus patients who were managed with fentanyl infusion alone.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

After Institutional Ethics Committee approval, we retrospectively collected data of 72 patients (38 in SAPB group and 34 in fentanyl group). Demographic data, VAS scores and 24 hrs fentanyl consumption was analysed in both groups.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant lower pain scores in patients of SAPB group when compared to that of fentanyl group (p=0.001) and in 24 hrs fentanyl consumption in patients who received continuous SAPB versus that in fentanyl group(p=0.001). No complications were observed in patients who received US guided SAPB.

CONCLUSION

US guided SAPB is an opioid sparing, effective interfascial plane block which is safe and should be considered early in all patients who sustain MRFs. Continuous SAPB by placing a catheter can provide pain relief for longer duration, facilitate early mobilization, physiotherapy and early ICU discharge.

Regional Anesthesia in the Field for Trauma Victims

This article addresses the importance of anesthesiologists providing regional anesthesia techniques that are beneficial to the care of trauma patients in the field. It also discusses the advantages and risks associated with regional anesthesia in the field along with how to avoid those risks. In addition, it describes some of the benefits of modern ultrasound techniques compared with landmark techniques with stimulation and other important considerations when performing regional anesthesia in the field. The article gives the unique indications, risks, and key points of the most useful regional techniques for anesthesiologists operating in field environments.

Continuous Paravertebral Nerve Block for Scapula Fracture Analgesia: A Case Report

A 46-year-old man presented with severe refractory posterior shoulder pain due to a left scapular fracture sustained during a motor vehicle collision. Despite multimodal oral and intravenous analgesics, the patient's pain remained difficult to control. A continuous paravertebral nerve block was performed between the second and third thoracic vertebrae resulting in excellent analgesia of the scapular pain. This case suggests that a continuous thoracic paravertebral block placed between the second and third vertebrae may be considered as part of multimodal analgesia in patients with scapular fractures.

Blunt Chest Trauma and Regional Anesthesia for Analgesia of Multitrauma Patients in French Intensive Care Units: A National Survey

BACKGROUND

Chest injuries are associated with mortality among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and require multimodal pain management strategies, including regional anesthesia (RA). We conducted a survey to determine the current practices of physicians working in ICUs regarding RA for the management of chest trauma in patients with multiple traumas.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was sent to medical doctors (n = 1230) working in French ICUs, using the Société Française d'Anesthésie Réanimation (SFAR) mailing list of its members. The questionnaire addressed 3 categories: general characteristics, practical aspects of RA, and indications and contraindications.

RESULTS

Among the 333 respondents (response rate = 27%), 78% and 40% of 156 respondents declared that they would consider using thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) and thoracic paravertebral blockade (TPB), respectively. The main benefits declared for performing RA were the ability to have effective analgesia, a more effective cough, and early rehabilitation. For 70% of the respondents, trauma patients with a theoretical indication of RA did not receive TEA or TPB for the following reasons: the ICU had no experience of RA (62%), no anesthesiologist-intensivist working in the ICU (46%), contraindications (27%), ignorance of the SFAR guidelines (19%), and no RA protocol available (13%). In this survey, 95% of the respondents thought the prognosis of trauma patients could be influenced by the use of RA.

CONCLUSIONS

While TEA and TPB are underused because of several limitations related to the patterns of injuries in multitrauma patients, lack of both experience and confidence in combination with the absence of available protocols appear to be the major restraining factors, even if physicians are aware that patients' outcomes could be improved by RA. These results suggest the need to strengthen initial training and provide continuing education about RA in the ICU.

Comparison of serratus anterior plane block with epidural and paravertebral block in critically ill trauma patients with multiple rib fractures

Background

Pain from rib fractures is associated with significant pulmonary morbidity. Epidural and paravertebral blocks (EPVBs) have been recommended as part of a multimodal approach to rib fracture pain, but their utility is often challenging in the trauma intensive care unit (ICU). The serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) has potential as an alternative approach for chest wall analgesia.

Methods

This retrospective study compared critically injured adults sustaining multiple rib fractures who had SAPB (n=14) to EPVB (n=25). Patients were matched by age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Status, whether the patient required intubation, number of rib fractures and injury severity score. Outcome measures included hospital length of stay, ICU length of stay, preblock and post block rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) in intubated patients, pain scores and morphine equivalent doses administered 24-hour preblock and post-block in non-intubated patients, and mortality.

Results

There were no demographic differences between the two groups after matching. Nearly all of the patients who received either SAPB or EPVB demonstrated a reduction in RSBI or pain scores. The preblock RSBI was higher in the serratus anterior plane block group, but there was no difference between any of the other outcome measures.

Discussion

This retrospective study of our institutional data suggests no difference in efficacy between the serratus anterior plane block and neuraxial block for traumatic rib fracture pain in critically ill patients, but the sample size was too small to show statistical equivalence. Serratus anterior plane block is technically easier to perform with fewer theoretical contraindications compared with traditional neuraxial block. Further study with prospective comparative trials is warranted.

Level of evidence

Retrospective matched cohort; Level IV.

Analgesic efficacy of the serratus anterior plane block in rib fractures pain: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) was evaluated that in patients with the complaint of rib fracture pain in terms of total analgesic consumption and pain scores.

METHOD

Sixty patients with rib fracture and NRS (Numeric Rating Scala) pain scores equal or greater than four were included in randomized controlled study. Patients were randomized to perform SAPB or control group. Primary outcome was total tramadol consumption in 24 h. Secondary outcomes were NRS scores (after Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) application 30 min, first, second, 4 th, 6 th, 12 th, 24 th hour), peripheral oxygen saturation (first and 24 th hour after PCA application), chronic pain. and complications.

RESULTS

The total tramadol consumption significantly lower in group S (p = 0.02). NRS scores after 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h were significantly lower in group S than in group C (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.026). The total number of patients who reported of chronic pain at rest and during effort was significantly lower in group SAPB than in group C (p = 0.006). Nine patients in group C were reported of pain, four of whom had pain at rest and five had pain during effort. One patient in group S was reported of pain during effort.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that SAPB, as part of multimodal analgesia in pain management due to rib fractures, is safe and effective in reducing acute pain.

Thoracic Paravertebral Block for Renal Colic: A Case Report

Renal colic is a common cause of pain; however, there have been few reports of treating this pain with regional anesthesia. We report on a 49-year-old man presenting with severe left flank pain resulting from a 4-mm stone in the left ureter. The pain was minimally responsive to intravenous opioids. Left-sided paravertebral blocks were performed at T7 and T9 with 10 mL bupivacaine 0.5% with epinephrine 2.5 µg/mL to each paravertebral space. The pain resolved over the following 30 minutes, and the patient was discharged home. No further pain was experienced before and while subsequently passing the stone.

Epidural analgesia in ICU chest trauma patients with fractured ribs: retrospective study of pain control and intubation requirements

BACKGROUND

Nonintubated chest trauma patients with fractured ribs admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are at risk for complications and may require invasive ventilation at some point. Effective pain control is essential. We assessed whether epidural analgesia (EA) in patients with fractured ribs who were not intubated at ICU admission decreased the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). We also looked for risk factors for IMV.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This retrospective, observational, multicenter study conducted in 40 ICUs in France included consecutive patients with three or more fractured ribs who were not intubated at admission between July 2013 and July 2015.

RESULTS

Of the 974 study patients, 788 were included in the analysis of intubation predictors. EA was used in 130 (16.5%) patients, and 65 (8.2%) patients required IMV. Factors independently associated with IMV were chronic respiratory disease (P = 0.008), worse SAPS II (P < 0.0001), flail chest (P = 0.02), worse Injury Severity Score (P = 0.0003), higher respiratory rate at admission (P = 0.02), alcohol withdrawal syndrome (P < 0.001), and noninvasive ventilation (P = 0.04). EA was not associated with decreases in IMV requirements, median numerical rating scale pain score, or intravenous morphine requirements from day 1 to day 7.

CONCLUSIONS

EA was not associated with a lower risk of IMV in chest trauma patients with at least 3 fractured ribs, moderate pain, and no intubation on admission. Further studies are needed to clarify the optimal pain control strategy in chest trauma patients admitted to the ICU, notably those with severe pain or high opioid requirements.

Blunt trauma related chest wall and pulmonary injuries: An overview

Physical traumas are tragic and multifaceted injuries that suddenly threaten life. Although it is the third most common cause of death in all age groups, one out of four trauma patients die due to thoracic injury or its complications. Blunt injuries constitute the majority of chest trauma. This indicates the importance of chest trauma among all traumas. Blunt chest trauma is usually caused by motor vehicle accident, falling from height, blunt instrument injury and physical assault. As a result of chest trauma, many injuries may occur, such as pulmonary injuries, and these require urgent intervention. Chest wall and pulmonary injuries range from rib fractures to flail chest, pneumothorax to hemothorax and pulmonary contusion to tracheobronchial injuries. Following these injuries, patients may present with a simple dyspnea or even respiratory arrest. For such patient, it is important to understand the treatment logic and to take a multidisciplinary approach to treat the pulmonary and chest wall injuries. This is because only 10% of thoracic trauma patients require surgical operation and the remaining 90% can be treated with simple methods such as appropriate airway, oxygen support, maneuvers, volume support and tube thoracostomy. Adequate pain control in chest trauma is sometimes the most basic and best treatment. With definite diagnosis, the morbidity and mortality can be significantly reduced by simple treatment methods.

Chest Trauma: Current Recommendations for Rib Fractures, Pneumothorax, and Other Injuries

Purpose of Review

This article provides an overview of the common and important chest injuries that the anesthesiologist may encounter in patients following trauma including blunt injury, pneumothorax, hemothorax, blunt aortic injury, and blunt cardiac injury.

Recent Findings

Rib fractures are frequently associated with chest injury and are associated with significant pain and other complications. Regional anesthesia techniques combined with a multimodal analgesic strategy can improve patient outcomes and reduce complications. There is increasing evidence for paravertebral blocks for this indication, and the myofascial plane blocks are a popular emerging technique. Recent changes to recommended management of tension pneumothorax are also described.

Summary

Chest trauma is commonly encountered, and anesthesiologists have the potential to significantly improve morbidity and mortality in this group of patients.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous intercostal nerve cryoneurolysis for analgesia following traumatic rib fracture -a case series

Background

Rib fractures are a common injury in trauma patients and account for significant morbidity and mortality within this population. Local anesthetic-based nerve blocks have been demonstrated to provide significant pain relief and reduce complications. However, the analgesia provided by these blocks is limited to hours for single injection blocks or days for continuous infusions, while the duration of this pain often lasts weeks.

Case

This case series describes five patients with rib fractures whose pain was successfully treated with cryoneurolysis.

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous cryoneurolysis is a modality that has the potential to provide analgesia matching the duration of pain following rib fractures.

Thoracic trauma in military settings: a review of current practices and recommendations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To examine current literature on thoracic trauma related to military combat and to explore its relevance to the civilian population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Damage control resuscitation (DCR) has improved the management of hemorrhaging trauma patients. Permissive hypotension below 110 mmHg and antifibrinolytic use during DCR is widely accepted, whereas the use of freeze-dried plasma and whole blood is gaining popularity. The Modified Physiologic Triaging Tool can be used for primary triage and it may have applications in civilian trauma systems. Although Tactical Combat Casualty Care protocol recommends the Cric-Key device for surgical cricothyroidotomies, other devices may offer comparable performance. Recommendations for regional anesthesia after blunt trauma are not well defined. Increasing amounts of evidence favor the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory hypoxemia and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) for severe hemorrhage. REBOA outcomes are potentially improved by partial occlusion and small 7 Fr catheters.

SUMMARY

The Global War on Terror has provided opportunities to better understand and treat thoracic trauma in military settings. Trauma registries and other data sources have contributed to significant advancements in the management of thoracic trauma in military and civilian populations.

EPIDURAL ANALGESIA IN MULTIPY INJURED PATIENTS WITH SEVERE CHEST TRAUMA: TWO CASE REPORTS AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Multiply injured patients with severe chest trauma have different combinations of associated extra thoracic injuries making their treatment complex. Severe pain is a prominent symptom in a vast majority of severe chest injuries and causes deterioration of respiratory function. Epidural analgesia provides efficient pain relief but its use in this group of patients is burdened with complications, contraindications and technical difficulties. We present two cases in which epidural analgesia was successfully used in polytrauma patients with severe chest injuries and hypoxemic respiratory failure, and discuss advantages, possible pitfalls and complications.

State of Rib Fracture Care: A NTDB Review of Analgesic Management and Surgical Stabilization

Thoracic analgesia plays a key role in management and outcomes of rib fractures and can generally be broken down into oral or parenteral medication administration and regional analgesia. Surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) may be an underused resource in the management of rib fractures. This study describes recent trends in rib fracture management and outcomes. National Trauma Data Bank datasets from 2008 to 2014 were reviewed. Patients with three or more rib fractures were identified, and the frequencies of epidural analgesia (EA), other regional analgesia, and SSRF were analyzed. Those older than 65 years were more likely to be admitted to the ICU but had shorter ICU length of stay, lower intubation, and need for tracheostomy rates. In addition, those older than 65 years had about 2.5 times higher mortality (6.3% vs 2.6%, P < 0.001). EA was used in only 3 per cent of the population and more commonly in the older than 65 years group (3.7% vs 2.8%, P < 0.001). Regardless of age, SSRF was more commonly performed when compared with the placement of EA (5.8% vs 3%). This difference was even greater in the younger than 65 years group, where 7 per cent underwent SSRF. Utilization of EA remains low nationally. SSRF should be considered not only for chest wall stabilization but also as an analgesic modality in selected patients. A more complete accounting of analgesic care in rib fracture patients is needed to allow a more detailed analysis of analgesia for rib fracture–related pain to elucidate optimal treatment.

Regional analgesia techniques for pain management in patients admitted to the intensive care unit

Controlling pain should be a priority in the clinical practice of intensive care units (ICUs). Monomodal analgesic approaches, such as the administration of opioids, are widely employed; however, the widespread use of opioids has catastrophic consequences, given their multiple side effects and the development of dependence. Regional analgesia (RA), with single or continuous dosing using neuraxial and peripheral catheters, can play an important role in multimodal analgesia for management of pain in critical care patients. RA provides superior pain control, as compared to systemic treatments, and is associated with a lower rate of side effects. Nevertheless, RA remains underused in ICUs. Many critically ill, post-surgical or traumatically injured patients would benefit from these techniques. For these reasons, we aim to establish a set of potential indications integrating the use of RA in analgesia protocols routinely used in ICUs. We performed a review of literature sources with contrasted evidence levels to present RA techniques and their potential applications in ICU patients.

Safety, complications and clinical outcome after ultrasound-guided paravertebral catheter insertion for rib fracture analgesia: a single-centre retrospective observational study

Rib fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral catheter insertion has been described for the management of pain secondary to rib fractures. We conducted a retrospective observational study of all patients with rib fractures who had a paravertebral catheter inserted for analgesia provision over a 4-year period. Data from the Trauma Audit and Research Network were used to compare patients with rib fractures who were managed with paravertebral catheters to those managed with systemic analgesia. A total of 314 consecutive paravertebral catheters were inserted in 290 patients. Five (1.9%) catheters were removed due to ineffective analgesia. Other minor complications occurred in three cases (0.96%). The proportion of rib fracture patients managed with paravertebral catheters increased from 31/200 (15.5%) in the first year of study to 81/168 (48.2%) in the fourth; over this time-period the observed:predicted mortality ratio fell from 1.04 to 0.66. Proportional hazard regression with and without propensity score matching demonstrated a reduction in mortality associated with paravertebral catheter use, but this became statistically non-significant when time-dependent analysis was used. Paravertebral catheters are a safe and effective technique for rib fracture analgesia; however, our data were insufficient to demonstrate any improvement in mortality.

Long-term disability after blunt chest trauma: Don't miss chronic neuropathic pain!

Introduction The main objective of this prospective study was to assess the incidence of chronic pain and long-term respiratory disability in a single-center cohort of severe blunt chest trauma patients. Methods Over a 10-month period, all consecutive blunt chest trauma patients admitted in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were screened to participate in a 3-month and 12-month follow-up. The following variables were prospectively assessed: persistence of chronic chest pain requiring regular used of analgesics, neuropathic pain, respiratory disability, physical and mental health status. Univariate and multivariable analysis were conducted to assess variables associated with chronic chest pain, neuropathic chest pain and respiratory disability. Results During the study period, 65 patients were included in the study. Chronic chest pain and respiratory disability were reported in 62% and 57% of patients respectively at 3 months postinjury. Neuropathic pain was reported in 22% of patients, associated with higher impairment of quality of life. A thoracic trauma severity score ≥12 and a pain score ≥4 at SICU discharge were the only variables significantly associated with the occurrence of neuropathic pain at 3 months (OR = 7 [2-32], p = 0.01 and OR = 16 [4-70], p < 0.0001). Conclusion According to the current study, chronic pain and long-term respiratory disability are very common after severe blunt chest trauma patients. Special attention should be paid to neuropathic pain, frequently under-diagnosed and responsible for significant impairment of quality of life.

Pain Management in Trauma in the Age of the Opioid Crisis

It is imperative to find the balance between pain control and addressing the opioid epidemic. Opioids, although effective in the acute pain management, have multiple side effects and can lead to dependence, abuse, overdose, or death. Physicians should identify patients who abuse opioids, using their states' prescription drug-monitoring programs and use screening tools to identify patients at increased risk of developing opioid dependence. Multimodal analgesic plans, incorporating regional techniques, and nonopioid medications should be employed to reduce the amount of opioids received by patients.

Regional Anesthesia and Analgesia for Acute Trauma Patients

Regional anesthesia for the acute trauma patient is increasing due to the growing appreciation of its benefits, development of newer techniques and equipment, and more robust training. Block procedures are expanding beyond perioperative interventions performed exclusively by anesthesiologists to paramedics on scene, emergency medicine physicians, and nurse-led services using these techniques early in trauma pain management. Special considerations and indications apply to trauma victims compared with the elective patient and must be appreciated to optimize safety and clinical outcomes. This review discusses current literature and future directions in the growing role of regional anesthesia in acute trauma care.

Comparison of analgesic interventions for traumatic rib fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

Many studies report on outcomes of analgesic therapy for (suspected) traumatic rib fractures. However, the literature is inconclusive and diverse regarding the management of pain and its effect on pain relief and associated complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes and compares reduction of pain for the different treatment modalities and as secondary outcome mortality during hospitalization, length of mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit stay (ICU) and complications such as respiratory, cardiovascular, and/or analgesia-related complications, for four different types of analgesic therapy: epidural analgesia, intravenous analgesia, paravertebral blocks and intercostal blocks.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were searched to identify comparative studies investigating epidural, intravenous, paravertebral and intercostal interventions for traumatic rib fractures, without restriction for study type. The search strategy included keywords and MeSH or Emtree terms relating blunt chest trauma (including rib fractures), analgesic interventions, pain management and complications.

Results

A total of 19 papers met our inclusion criteria and were finally included in this systematic review. Significant differences were found in favor of epidural analgesia for the reduction of pain. No significant differences were observed between epidural analgesia, intravenous analgesia, paravertebral blocks and intercostal blocks, for the secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

Results of this study show that epidural analgesia provides better pain relief than the other modalities. No differences were observed for secondary endpoints like length of ICU stay, length of mechanical ventilation or pulmonary complications. However, the quality of the available evidence is low, and therefore, preclude strong recommendations.