Sedoanalgesia Versus Infraclavicular Block for Closed Reduction of Pediatric Forearm Fracture in Emergency Department: Prospective Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVE: Procedural sedoanalgesia is commonly used in pediatric patients in the emergency department (ED) for interventional procedures, diagnosis, and treatment. However, this method causes serious systemic complications, such as respiratory and cardiac depression. To minimize these complications, ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia methods have been used in recent years. We aimed to compare the use of procedural sedoanalgesia (PSA) and infraclavicular block (ICB) in the pain management of pediatric patients who underwent closed reductions of forearm fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, clinical study included patients aged 3 to 15 years who presented to the ED with forearm fractures. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the procedural sedoanalgesia group (group PSA, n = 30) and ultrasound-guided ICB group (group ICB, n = 30). Pain scores of the patients were evaluated using the Wong-Baker FACES Scale before and during the procedure. Pain scores and parental and operator satisfaction were compared between the groups.

RESULTS: There was no statistical significance in terms of demographic data. The pain scores observed during the procedures were significantly higher in the group PSA than in the group ICB (3.07 ± 1.55 vs 0.47 ± 0.86, respectively; P < 0.001). The parental and operator satisfaction of the ICB group was significantly higher than that of the PSA group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided ICB is a safe and effective method in the management of pain during closed reduction of forearm fracture in pediatric patients in EDs. It can be used safely in emergency rooms and has a high level of both parental and operator satisfaction.