The implications of a broken needle in the pterygomandibular space: clinical guidelines for prevention and retrieval

Pediatr Dent. 2002 Mar-Apr;24(2):153-6.

Abstract

The implication of a broken anesthetic injection needle in the posterior part of the oral cavity is described. Needle breakage is preventable if proper preventive measures are used during local anesthesia administration. A broken needle should be removed immediately after a thorough localization and not left in the tissue, as previously believed. Computerized tomography (CT) scan is the proper diagnostic device to locate a broken needle. A careful surgical approach under general anesthesia is recommended to retrieve the needle. Clinical preventive guidelines are described and presented to the pediatric dentist.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia, Dental / adverse effects
  • Anesthesia, Dental / instrumentation
  • Anesthesia, Local / adverse effects
  • Anesthesia, Local / instrumentation
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Equipment Failure
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign Bodies / etiology
  • Foreign Bodies / prevention & control*
  • Foreign Bodies / surgery
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Injections / adverse effects
  • Injections / instrumentation
  • Male
  • Mandible*
  • Needles / adverse effects*
  • Nerve Block / adverse effects
  • Nerve Block / instrumentation
  • Pterygoid Muscles*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed