Comparing Ketamine and Morphine in the Treatment of Acute Fracture Pain
Sponsored by Washington University School of Medicine
About This Study
Opioid pain medications such as morphine and dilaudid are commonly used in emergency departments to treat pain in patients. Physicians are familiar with the side effects of these medications; the most concerning of which is slowing or stopping a patient's breathing, as well as dangerously lowering their blood pressure. An alternative medication is ketamine. This medication is also commonly used in the emergency department, although it is typically used to help sedate patients for uncomfortable procedures. Ketamine has also been used for pain control, but in a much lower dosage that does not sedate patients. When used for analgesia, it has typically been administered in combination with opioid pain medications. To date, there is no study that looks at the effectiveness and safety of using a low dose ketamine alone in comparison to the use of morphine. The purpose of this study is to measure how well low-dose ketamine treats pain compared to morphine and to look at how often serious side effects are seen with each medication.
Conditions Studied
Interventions
- •ketamine
- •morphine
Eligibility
View full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Eligible Long bone fractures. This will include: * Humerus * Tibia * Fibula * Femur * Radius * Ulna Exclusion Criteria: * Injuries older than 24 hours * Avulsion fractures * History of substance abuse * History of chronic opioid dependence * Pregnancy * Demonstrates signs of intoxication * Allergic to ketamine or opioids * Patients unable to consent * Hemodynamically unstable (SBP \>180mmHg or \<100mgHg, HR \>130bpm, Respiratory rate \<10, oxygen saturations \<90%