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Bilateral Subpectoral Interfascial Plane Catheters for Analgesia for Sternal Fractures: A Case Report
  1. Irfan Raza, MD*,
  2. Madankumar Narayanan, MD*,
  3. Arun Venkataraju, MD and
  4. Alexandra Ciocarlan, MD
  1. From the *Department of Anesthetics, Frimley Park Hospital, Surrey; and †Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Winchester, Hampshire, United Kingdom
  1. Address correspondence to: Irfan Raza, MD, Frimley Park Hospital, Portsmouth Rd, Frimley, Surrey GU16 7UJ, United Kingdom (e-mail: irfanraza@nhs.net).

Abstract

Objectives Sternal fractures occur after deceleration injuries such as falls and road traffic accidents. Recovery from isolated fractures is excellent, but mortality increases dramatically with concurrent chest injuries such as rib fractures and soft tissue injuries. Short-term complications include chest pain, which prevents patients from taking deep breaths and coughing, thereby predisposing them to chest infections.

Case Report We present a case of a 73-year-old woman with sternal fracture in whom enteral analgesia was inadequate and who was intolerant to intravenous opiates.

Conclusions The patient was successfully treated with a continuous infusion of local anesthetic into the subpectoral interfascial plane. We also discuss the use and potential benefits of the subpectoral interfascial plane block in the treatment of pain from sternal fractures.

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Footnotes

  • The authors declare no conflict of interest.