Comparison of two approaches to performing an inferior alveolar nerve block in the horse

Abstract

Both methods were found to be equivalently accurate. The previously reported topographic landmarks for locating the approximate position of the mandibular foramen on the medial aspect of the mandible were found to be accurate, but currently recommended doses of local anaesthetic may be excessive.

Which nerve blocks will help me with a tooth extraction?

“…Based on the paper by Harding et al . () it would appear that the mandibular nerve blocks are accurate in about 80% of cases. The more recent paper by Bardell et al .…”

“…The first study assessing the inferior alveolar nerve block used 11 cadaver heads to compare an angled to a perpendicular method (Harding et al 2012). Each block was performed 22 times using coloured dyes and a full hit was achieved 73% of the time with the angled approach compared to 59% with the perpendicular approach.…”

“…Although, there was no difference in the accuracy of the maxillary nerve block techniques, the study by Staszyk et al (2008) did demonstrate that the EFBI technique had reduced the risk of potential complications. Based on the paper by Harding et al (2012) it would appear that the mandibular nerve blocks are accurate in about 80% of cases. The more recent paper by Bardell et al (2010) described a new intraoral approach with successful anaesthesia of the nerve in live patients following the intraoral nerve block, but the assessment of successful nerve block was subjective.…”

Perioperative pain management in horses

“…The inferior alveolar (mandibular) block will desensitise the mandible and lower dental arcade (Harding et al . ) and the maxillary block desensitises most structures of the maxilla including the rostral maxilla, paranasal sinuses and upper dental arcade (Bardell et al . ).…”

“…The use of nerve blocks to facilitate dental and ophthalmic procedures in the standing and anaesthetised horse has been well described. The inferior alveolar (mandibular) block will desensitise the mandible and lower dental arcade (Harding et al 2012) and the maxillary block desensitises most structures of the maxilla including the rostral maxilla, paranasal sinuses and upper dental arcade (Bardell et al 2010). Accidental blockade of the lingual nerve has been reported to occur with blockade of the mandibular nerve resulting in self trauma of the tongue (Caldwell and Easley 2012).…”