COMPARISON OF TRANSTHECAL AND SUBCUTANEOUS SINGLE-INJECTION DIGITAL BLOCK TECHNIQUES

A randomized double-blinded study was performed on 20 normal volunteer s to evaluate 2 different techniques of single-injection digital anest hesia. Single-injection transthecal digital block technique was used t o anesthetize 1 index finger and single-injection subcutaneous techniq ue to block the other index finger. Pain and light touch were evaluate d and sensory nerve-conduction studies were performed on both index fi ngers. These data were obtained prior to the nerve blocks and then at 10-minute intervals until recovery from the anesthesia. The method of anesthesia was found to have no effect on the distribution, onset, and duration of anesthesia. Median and radial nerve sensory nerve action potential amplitude reductions following digital anesthesia were also not influenced by the technique of anesthesia. Single-injection subcut aneous block was found to be easier to administer and to produce less pain during and 24 hours after injection than did the single-injection transthecal technique.