Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Parasternal blocks

Parasternal blocks involve injecting a local anesthetic into the tissue between the ribs to numb the area and relieve pain.

Parasternal blocks involve injecting a local anesthetic into the tissue between the ribs to numb the area and relieve pain. Used for Relief of pain in conditions such as costochondritis.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

This procedure is used to diagnose and treat conditions such as costochondritis, which causes pain and inflammation in the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. By numbing the area, the pain can be relieved, allowing for further evaluation and treatment.

Approved indications

• Relief of pain in conditions such as costochondritis

Common side effects

• Numbness or tingling at the injection site

Key clinical trials

• Comparison of Paravertebral Block and Deep Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block in Cardiac Surgery (NA)
• Comparison of Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) With the Combination of Superficial Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block (SPIPB) and Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) in the Management of Postoperative Sternotomy Pain in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery Via Sternotomy (NA)
• Superficial Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block in Cardiac Surgery Trial (NA)
• Preoperative Deep Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block and Intraoperative Opioid Use in Cardiac Surgery (NA)
• Parasternal Block Added to Serratus Anterior Plane Block in Breast Reduction Surgery (NA)
• Analgesic Strategies After Mastectomy: RIB vs RIB + DPIPB
• Effect of Parasternal Plane Block on Intraoperative Nociception (NA)
• Deep Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block (NA)

Primary sources

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