[A broken needle in the pterygomandibular space].

Abstract

We encountered a case where a 30 gauge disposable dental needle was accidentally broken and inoculated into pterygomandibular space by a dentist during a block anesthesia for the inferior alveolar nerve. Several approaches including use of a guide needle and roentgenograms were made but all were unsuccessful. Eleven days later, further operation was attempted monitoring the needle on X-ray TV, resulting in that the broken needle was successfully removed. This technique may be useful for removal of mandibular broken needles.