Ultrasound Guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Rib Fractures

The ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) will be performed in a manner previously described in published medical literature. Patients will be consented and monitored. Bupivacaine 0.5% (5 mg/ml) diluted to 30-40 ml will be used in a dose not to exceed 2 mg/kg. The serratus anterior fascial plane will be identified in the 4th/5th intercostal space. The needle will be advanced under real-time ultrasound guidance targeting the superficial serratus anterior fascial plane. The procedure assistant will inject small volumes to hydrodissect the muscle bellies evenly under direct visualization, indicating local anesthetic spread within the fascial plane. Anesthetic will then be injected in 5 ml increments and the needle will be removed. Patient will be continuously monitored on telemetry and pulse-oximetry. Reassessment of the patient will continue for 30 minutes to monitor for signs of local anesthetic systemic toxicity.

Analgesic medications will be administered via the intravenous, intramuscular or oral route at the discretion of the medical treatment team.