Can a sedative help heal broken ribs? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT04928300

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two drugs, dexmedetomidine and ketamine, to see which one better helps diaphragm function and pain in people with three or more broken ribs who are not having surgery. Sixty adults will receive a low-dose infusion of one drug or a placebo for five days. The goal is to improve breathing and reduce pain, which could speed recovery.

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This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Assiut university hospital

    RECRUITING

    Asyut, Assuit, Assuit universi, Egypt

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Dexmedetomidine (a sedative) and ketamine (an anesthetic)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a better way to manage pain and improve breathing in people with multiple broken ribs, reducing complications.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Both drugs have side effects like sedation or confusion.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bone fracture Rib Fractures

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.