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Intercostal nerve anatomy for rib fracture analgesia — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModerateAnatomyIntercostal nerve anatomy for rib fracture analgesiaFRCA Primary

A 70-year-old man has an erector spinae plane catheter for rib fractures. The intended spread is deep to erector spinae muscle near the transverse processes. Which nerves provide segmental sensation from the chest wall?

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Correct answer: D — Phrenic nerves

Intercostal nerves are the anterior rami of thoracic spinal nerves and provide segmental motor and sensory supply to the thoracic wall. The phrenic nerves supply the diaphragm and mediastinal pleura. Long thoracic and thoracodorsal nerves supply shoulder girdle muscles. The teaching point is that fascial plane blocks rely on spread towards segmental thoracic nerves.

Reference: RCoA Primary FRCA Syllabus 2026; Anatomy for Anaesthetists