Ultrasound-Guided Blocks for Rib Fractures
When every breath hurts, ultrasound-guided Serratus Anterior Plane (SAP) and Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) blocks deliver effective, opioid-sparing pain relief for rib fractures while preserving respiratory mechanics. As a key part of multimodal pain management, these accessible fascial plane blocks improve pain control, reduce systemic medication needs, and support better breathing and recovery.
Add to Calendar: Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 2:30 PM
Joseph Brown, MD, is an emergency physician, educator, and nationally recognized leader in ultrasound-guided nerve blocks (UGNB) in emergency medicine. He is a founding member of BlockHeads and has led national UGNB courses and workshops through BlockHeads, SAEM, and ACEP, while contributing to research on nerve block safety, efficacy, competency, implementation, and best practices. His work includes creating and establishing the National Ultrasound-Guided Nerve (NURVE) Block Registry and developing a clinical UGNB program at the University of Colorado, with over 30 reviewed peer-reviewed publications and ongoing research focused on advancing regional anesthesia in the emergency department. Dr. Brown is transitioning from his role at University of Colorado and Associated Program Director for the Denver Health Residency in Emergency Medicine to the founding Program Director of the CarePoint/HCA Emergency Medicine Residency in Denver and continues to teach and develop UGNB education locally and nationally.
