Serratus anterior plane block as a bridge to outpatient management of severe rib fractures: a case report
- Author:
Jonathan B. LEE
1
;
Ariana NELSON
;
Shadi LAHHAM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From: Clinical and Experimental Emergency Medicine 2022;9(2):155-159
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Rib fractures account for a significant number of emergency department visits each year. A patient’s disposition often depends on the severity of rib fractures, comorbidities, and ability to achieve adequate analgesia. We present a 44-year-old male patient with severe pain secondary to rib fractures. The initial disposition was to admit for pain control. However, upon performing a serratus anterior plane block, patient was functionally appropriate for discharge with proper return precautions. Serratus anterior plane block is within the skillset of the emergency physician and can be used to achieve analgesia for rib fractures without the sedative and respiratory depressive effects associated with opioids.
