Treatment of Isolated Sternal Fracture with Ultrasound-Guided Paravertebral Nerve Block: a Case Report and Literature Review
10.7180/kmj.2019.34.2.152
- Author:
Jun Mo PARK
1
;
Hyunjeong KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea. pjm4013@naver.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Fracture;
Nerve block;
Pain management;
Sternum;
Ultrasonography
- MeSH:
Aged;
Analgesics;
Chest Pain;
Female;
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Nerve Block;
Pain Management;
Rib Fractures;
Sternum;
Thoracic Wall;
Thorax;
Ultrasonography
- From:Kosin Medical Journal
2019;34(2):152-160
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
In the case of isolated sternal fractures, conservative treatment with analgesics is common, but pain can persist for more than 10 weeks, which can significantly interfere with daily life. Ultrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block is reported to be a successful means of pain control in patients with chest wall injury or rib fracture.A 70-year-old female patient presented with anterior chest pain that had persisted for 2 weeks despite conservative treatment. Sagittal reconstruction chest computed tomography and sternum lateral oblique x-ray revealed an isolated sternal fracture. An ultrasound-guided bilateral paravertebral nerve block was performed for pain control. After performing the procedure twice at a 1-week interval, the patient reported complete pain alleviation, and no other problems were observed over the 3-month follow-up period.Ultrasound-guided bilateral paravertebral nerve block can help patients with isolated sternal fractures to manage pain and return to normal activities sooner than with oral analgesics.
