Application of embracing fixator combined with intercostal nerve block in multiple rib fractures

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of intercostal nerve block and rib embracing fixator in the treatment of multiple rib fractures. Methods A total of 90 patients with multiple RIB fracture were randomly divided into ABC group(30 cases in each group). Patients in Group A were treated with external fixation, patients in Group B were treated with internal fixation of memory alloy embracing fixator, and patients in Group C were treated with internal fixation of rib embracing fixator combined with intercostal nerve block, there was no significant difference in age and other general conditions(P>0.05). The changes of PaO₂ and PaCO₂, the time of movement, the incidence of chest complications and pain in one week after treatment in A, B, C group were compared with those in the two groups at 24 hours after operation. Results The changes of PaO₂ and PaCO₂ in Group B and Group C were significantly better than those in group A after one week treatment(all P<0.01). The pain score of Group C, PaO₂ and PaCO₂, 24 hours after treatment were significantly higher than those of Group B(all P<0.01). At the same time, the incidence of thoracic complications in Group B and C was significantly lower than that in Group A, and the incidence of thoracic complications in Group C was further lower than that in group B. Conclusion The treatment of multiple rib fractures with rib embracing fixator is effective, safe and reliable, and combined with intercostal nerve block can further reduce the postoperative pain symptoms and speed up the recovery of lung function, and further reduce the incidence of thoracic complications, worthy of clinical application and promotion.