Is the Vazirani-Akinosi nerve block a better technique than the conventional inferior alveolar nerve block for beginners?

Publication date: Available online 18 September 2018

Source: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Author(s): Komagan Prabhu Nakkeeran, Poornima Ravi, Guruprasad Thulasi Doss, Krishna Kumar Raja

Abstract

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy and comfort of the inferior alveolar nerve block and the Vazirani-Akinosi block, when given by dental trainees.

METHODS

In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, patients requiring extraction of mandibular teeth received either the conventional inferior alveolar nerve block (IAN group), or the Vazirani-Akinosi block (VA group). Objective parameters evaluated included ease of locating landmarks, incidence of positive aspiration, and failure rate. Patient comfort during injection was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale. Statistical analysis was done using unpaired t test and Fischer's extract test.

RESULTS

One hundred patients were included in each group. Landmarks were easier to locate in the VA group. Positive aspiration was more in the IAN group (0.08%) as compared to the VA group(0.01%) (p < 0.05). The incidence of failed blocks was higher in the IAN group as compared to the VA group. Patients appeared to experience less pain with VA injection as compared to the IAN injection.

CONCLUSION

The current study showed that the dental trainees found the Vazirani-Akinosi technique more straightforward to perform. It had a higher success rate and lower incidence of positive aspiration, and was also more comfortable for patients than the conventional inferior alveolar nerve block.

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