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Removal of a broken needle using three-dimensional computed tomography: a case report
1Dental Clinic, The Third Logistic Support Command, Incheon, Korea.
Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
|January 29, 2014
Summary
Inferior alveolar nerve blocks offer effective anesthesia with few complications. However, dental needle fracture during the procedure can lead to difficult removal and legal issues, necessitating advanced imaging for management.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Oral Surgery
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Inferior alveolar nerve block is a common dental anesthesia technique.
- It offers effective pain control with a low incidence of complications.
- Potential complications include nerve damage, bleeding, trismus, and facial nerve palsy.
Observation:
- Dental needle fracture is a significant iatrogenic complication during inferior alveolar nerve blocks.
- A fractured needle fragment embedded in soft tissue presents removal challenges and potential legal complications.
- A case involved a 31-year-old woman requiring removal of a broken needle post-nerve block.
Findings:
- Management of embedded dental needle fragments requires careful planning.
- Computed tomography (CT) scans are crucial for pre- and peri-operative visualization.
- Surgical removal under local anesthesia was performed in the presented case.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of meticulous technique during inferior alveolar nerve blocks to prevent needle breakage.
- Emphasizes the utility of advanced imaging like CT scans in managing complications.
- Underscores the need for prompt and effective intervention to resolve iatrogenic incidents and mitigate patient distress.
