Optimizing pain relief in clavicle fractures: A case series on ultrasound guided hematoma block

Ultrasound-guided hematoma block (USHB) has emerged as a promising, minimally invasive technique for providing targeted analgesia in fractures. The information on the safety and efficacy of hematoma blocks in clavicle fractures is limited in the literature. This case series explores the use of ultrasound-guided hematoma blocks for pain management in adult patients presenting to the Emergency department of a level 1 trauma center situated in a Tier 1 city in the northern part of India with clavicle fractures. In this case series of 10 patients with clavicle fractures, who experienced persistent severe pain [Defence and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) ≥7] despite systemic analgesia were offered a hematoma block performed under ultrasound guidance using a high-frequency linear probe. The results demonstrated substantial pain reduction, with 8 out of 10 patients achieving complete pain relief (DVPRS = 0) within 60 min. The remaining 2 patients showed significant improvement, with pain scores decreasing from 10 to 2. No procedure-related complications were observed. This case series underscores the clinical efficacy, safety, and practicality of ultrasound-guided hematoma block (USHB) as an effective opioid-sparing strategy for pain management in clavicle fractures.