Effectiveness of transdermal diclofenac patch versus intramuscular diclofenac injection in management of pain among patients with rib fracture in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Most common injuries in trauma are rib fractures which leads to increase rick of mortality and morbidity. In India alone, there is are about 10 million cases per year for incidence of rib fractures more commonly due to vehicle accidents whereas 6% are of global accidents in India, itself. The current modality of treatment is with NSAID’s for relief of pain in rib fractures. A prospective study of 203 patients with rib fractures found a prevalence of chronic pain 22% and disability of 53%. Thereby, adequate pain management is crucial for improving the recovery and quality of life. The preferred route of administration of analgesics is either oral or intramuscular. This study entails in determining the effectiveness of transdermal Diclofenac patch versus intramuscular administration of Diclofenac.