Redlands Coast resident Joyce Emery is recovering from a broken wrist after a fall, with less pain and more comfort thanks to a new way of delivering pain medication.
Emergency Department Staff Specialist Dr Henry Tsao said a clinical trial conducted at Redland Hospital found a nerve block technique could provide effective and safe anaesthesia for patients requiring manipulation to realign their broken or dislocated arms, with longer-lasting pain relief when compared to traditional methods.
"The ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block provides patients with an alternative method to numb the arm, especially when traditional methods are not feasible," Dr Tsao said.
"Because pain relief lasts longer and is more effective, patients may need fewer strong painkillers like morphine.
Joyce returned to the Hospital’s fracture clinic recently and said she was happy with her treatment.
“The doctors have all been lovely,” she said.
The trial also offers a valuable training opportunity.
Dr Tsao said the procedure was recently performed at Redland Hospital by Emergency Department registrars Drs Wilson Tang and Brych Williams, supervised by Dr Christopher Tang and himself.
"We’re excited to support our Emergency Department doctors to develop these skills, which could benefit patients across Metro South Health," he said.
The published study can be accessed online - SUPraclavicular Block for Emergency Reduction of Upper Limb Injuries Versus Bier Block (SUPERB): An Open-Label, Noninferiority Randomised Controlled Trial via PubMed.
The Bayside Health Service Research Symposium will take place on Wednesday 5 November 2025 at Redland Hospital (UQ Building). The theme for this year is "Purpose-driven innovation: turning research into impact". This year the Symposium will feature a keynote speaker, oral and poster presentations, and an expert panel discussion on how we implement research into practice. Submit your abstract online now.