Buffered versus plain lidocaine as a local anesthetic for simple laceration repair.
OBJECTIVE
Buffered lidocaine was compared with plain lidocaine as a local anesthetic for simple lacerations.


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, prospective clinical trial.


METHODS
Urban emergency department.


METHODS
Ninety-one adult patients with simple linear lacerations were enrolled. Patients with allergy to lidocaine and patients with an abnormal mental status were excluded.


METHODS
Each wound edge was anesthetized with either plain or buffered lidocaine using a randomized, double-blind protocol. The pain of infiltration was measured with a previously validated visual analog pain scale.


RESULTS
Analysis of pooled data and paired data (using patients as their own controls) revealed that infiltrating buffered lidocaine was significantly less painful than plain lidocaine (P = .03 and P = .02, respectively). There was no significant difference in the anesthetic effectiveness of the two agents during suturing.


CONCLUSIONS
Buffered lidocaine is preferable to plain lidocaine as a local anesthetic agent for the repair of simple lacerations.
Bartfield
J M
JM
Department of Ambulatory Care, Bronx Municipal Hospital Center, New York 10461.
Gennis
P
P
Barbera
J
J
Breuer
B
B
Gallagher
E J
EJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002021:Buffers; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D010147:Pain Measurement; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D002021:Buffers; D008012:Lidocaine