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Locating broken dental needles.
M Thompson1, S Wright, L H H Cheng
1Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Middlesbrough General Hospital, Aryesome Green Lane, Middlesbrough, TS5 5AZ, UK. mkto3@hotmail.com
International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
|November 26, 2003
Summary
Broken dental needles are rare but challenging to locate and remove. A straightforward stereotactic technique, aided by an image intensifier, successfully identified broken needles in two patient cases.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Medical Imaging
- Surgical Procedures
Background:
- Broken dental needles represent a rare but significant clinical challenge.
- Fragment retrieval can be difficult due to the small size and location of the fragments.
- Accurate localization is crucial for successful removal and to prevent complications.
Observation:
- Two cases of fractured dental needles are presented.
- The needles were located within the oral cavity.
- Standard imaging techniques may not always be sufficient for precise localization.
Findings:
- A simple stereotactic method was employed for needle localization.
- Image intensification significantly aided the stereotactic localization process.
- This technique allowed for precise identification of the broken needle fragments.
Implications:
- This stereotactic approach offers a practical solution for locating broken dental needles.
- The method is minimally invasive and can be performed with readily available equipment.
- Enhanced localization improves surgical outcomes and patient safety in cases of dental needle fractures.
