Erector spinae block for acute pain management in rib fracture

Bloqueo erector espinal para manejo del dolor agudo en fractura costal

Abstract

Rib fractures occur in 50% of patients with closed chest trauma and have a high risk of morbidity, mortality and long-term disability. Depending on the extent of the affected organs, they can alter respiratory mechanics due to inadequate management of acute pain, making mechanical ventilatory support in the intensive care unit. Early administration of adequate analgesia is of great importance, as it positively impacts patient recovery. The use of the erector spinae plane block was recently described as an effective alternative for acute pain control in thoracic trauma and other clinical conditions, and it also presents advantages over other regional techniques. This article describes the use of the erector spinae block for analgesic control in a patient with chest fractures secondary to multiple trauma.