title: Real-time ultrasonographic visualization for guided inferior alveolar nerve injection.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to develop a methodological technique for the ultrasonographic visualization of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) using a novel hockey stick-shaped 8- to 15-MHz transducer in volunteers, followed by simulated IAN scanning and injection in cadavers.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 20 volunteers, bilateral scans of the IAN nerve were performed with a systematic technique. We recorded times to scan each side and sonographic visibility of the IAN. In 3 cadavers, bilateral scans of the IAN were performed, followed by simulated injection with dye.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The IAN was visible in all 40 scans. Mean scanning times were 19.6 seconds (range: 4-54 seconds) for the left side and 30.5 seconds (range: 6-116 seconds) for the right side. In 5 cadaver injections, dye was correctly deposited onto the IAN with the ultrasound technique.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We hypothesize that ultrasound-guided IAN block may be feasible in humans using our technique.
authors: Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. brian@chanpong.com
authors: Brian
authors: B
authors: Chanpong
authors: Raymond
authors: R
authors: Tang
authors: Andrew
authors: A
authors: Sawka
authors: Claudia
authors: C
authors: Krebs
authors: Himat
authors: H
authors: Vaghadia
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000766:Anesthesia, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D002102:Cadaver; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008340:Mandibular Nerve; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional