Ideal needle size and location for needle insertion to relieve a condition called tension pneumothorax, which can cause difficulty breathing. A study in an elite rugby team

Optimal size and needle position for needle decompression in tension pneumothorax: Observational study in an elite rugby team

Status

Recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Observational

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN14301076

Enrollment

Registered

2023-04-04

Start date

2023-05-01

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2023-04-17

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Optimal position for needle decompression in tension pneumothorax and assessment of iatrogenic risk in a male professional rugby team. Respiratory

Interventions

We will use ultrasound to take measurements from the skin to pleural line in the 2nd intercostal space, mid clavicular line, and 4/5th intercostal space, just anterior to the anterior axillary line an

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

Male

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Adult players (aged >18 years) 2. Part of a professional rugby team 3. Male

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: Does not meet inclusion criteria

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Chest wall thickness measured by ultrasound between the 2ICS MCL, and 4/5 ICS AAL, and 5ICS MCL at a single time point	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
Measured at a single time point: 1. Upper arm circumference and chest circumference (with tape measure) 2. Potential of iatrogenic risk (measured with ultrasound from the skin to the pericardium)	—

Countries

Jersey

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026