Lidocaine Skin Patch (Lidopat® 5%) Is Effective in the Treatment of Traumatic Rib Fractures: A Prospective Double-Blinded and Vehicle-Controlled Study

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of the Lidopat(®) 5% skin patch in relieving rib fracture pain. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From June 2009 to May 2011, 44 trauma patients with isolated rib fractures were enrolled in this study and randomized in a double-blind method into 2 groups. The experimental group (group E: 27 patients) used a Lidopat(®) 5% skin patch at the trauma site and took an oral analgesic drug for pain relief. The placebo group (group P: 17 patients) used a placebo vehicle patch and an oral analgesic drug. RESULTS: The mean age, weight and hospital stay of patients were 56.8 ± 13.8 years, 67.4 ± 12.6 kg and 6.34 ± 1.3 days, respectively. In the first 4 days, there were no significant differences in pain scores between the groups (p > 0.05). After the 5th day, the average pain score was significantly less in group E (mean 1.5) than in group P (mean 3.10; p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of fractured ribs between groups (p = 0.904). The use of meperidine and the length of hospital stay (6.0 vs. 6.9 days) were both significantly less in group E (p = 0.043 and 0.009, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this study, the use of the Lidopat(®) 5% skin patch in patients with isolated rib fractures alleviated pain and shortened the hospital stay, and a lower dose of pain-relieving medication was used.