Erector Spinae Plane Blocks with Dexmedetomidine and Dexamethasone for the Treatment of Pain Associated with Rib Fractures: Case Report

BACKGROUND: The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is an ultrasound-guided approach for acute pain management in patients with single or multiple rib fractures. The addition of a dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone (Dex-Dex) solution to an ESPB injection has been shown to provide longer-lasting pain control in rib-fracture patients. Adding a Dex-Dex adjunct to an ESPB injection diminishes the need for more invasive techniques used in longer-lasting pain management, such as ESPB catheter placements. CASE REPORT: We present 2 cases of rib fractures, one in a 79-year-old woman and the other in an 82-year-old-man. Both patients received a single ESPB injection with Dex-Dex to provide longer-lasting pain control. After the procedure, both patients reported a significant reduction in pain and no complications to the intervention. CONCLUSION: The successful analgesic management of both patients’ conditions suggests that a single ESPB injection with Dex-Dex can be used as an alternative to traditional management techniques such as catheter placements.