J Trauma
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Prospective, randomized comparison of continuous thoracic epidural and thoracic paravertebral infusion in patients with unilateral multiple fractured ribs--a pilot study.
Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA), a commonly used analgesic technique in patients with multiple fractured ribs, is technically demanding and associated with certain side effects or complications. Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) is a simple and effective method of providing continuous pain relief in these patients. However, it has never been compared with TEA in terms of efficacy and outcome in patients with fractured ribs. ⋯ Continuous bupivacaine infusion through TPVB is as effective as through TEA for pain management in patients with unilateral fractured ribs and the outcome after two techniques is comparable.