Low-dose pain medicine vs saline for broken ribs
Treatments studied
Part of Injuries & trauma clinical trials.
This Phase 3 study tests whether low-dose dexmedetomidine (a calming/pain-related medicine used during anesthesia or ICU care) works better than normal saline to reduce hard-to-control rib fracture pain. It may help people with multiple broken ribs who still have significant pain despite other treatments.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You are an adult age 18 to 65.
- You have multiple rib fractures—at least 3 ribs—and your team will do a chest 3D CT scan.
- You are being treated with a conservative approach (for example, chest strapping/support) rather than more invasive rib procedures.
- Your pain remains severe: your pain score (VAS) is over 6 even after usual therapies.
- Your brain status is fairly preserved: your Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is 13 or higher.
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
Similar studies
Other trials that look related to this one.
This trial compares two medicines added to a numbing injection to improve pain relief for recent rib fractures. It measures how well each combination controls pain and aims to find the better option for patient comfort.
This study tests a continuous nerve block—a numbing medicine delivered near the nerves—to reduce pain from rib fractures. It may help people with two or more broken ribs manage pain more effectively while recovering.
This study compares two types of nerve blocks (injections near the ribs) to see which works better for pain after multiple rib fractures. The goal is to find a less invasive option that relieves pain just as well as the standard method.
This trial tests a procedure called cryoablation that uses extreme cold to numb the nerves between the ribs, which may reduce pain and help you breathe easier after a rib fracture. It targets people with multiple rib fractures and significant pain but without certain other injuries.
This trial tests whether freezing a specific nerve (a “cryoneurolysis” treatment) through a catheter can better control pain from traumatic rib fractures. It’s offered to adults who have rib fractures soon after hospital admission and can use a pain control method called patient-controlled regional analgesia.
This study tests a cold therapy treatment (cryo) for people who have broken two or more ribs. It may help manage pain and improve recovery.
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