Multiple rib fractures: transcutaneous nerve stimulation versus conventional analgesia.

We have used transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to treat the acute pain of rib fractures. The study shows that it is an effective technique, achieving higher subjective pain relief scores by patients when compared with analgesic combinations, and achieving greater increases objectively in arterial oxygen concentrations and peak expiratory flow rates. TENS approaches the ideal analgesic in that it is continuous in effect and the dose is patient regulated. It is recommended as an important adjunct to conventional therapy.