Awake Sternal Fixation Using the Ultrasound-Guided Superficial Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block in a Patient with Cervical Spine Fracture

Abstract

We present the use of a bi-level, bilateral ultrasound-guided (US-guided) superficial parasternal intercostal plane block (S-PIP) for main anesthetic method in a 71-year-old patient with a C2 vertebral fracture undergoing repair of a sternal fracture. Conscious sedation was provided using midazolam and a remifentanil infusion. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged from the hospital on the first postoperative day without complications. An US-guided S-PIP should be considered when patients are deemed at high risk for general anesthesia, especially in trauma patients with a cervical spine fracture.