A local anaesthetic block of branches of the greater auricular and aur
iculotemporal nerves was used to facilitate the extraction of retained
butterfly backs and ear-ring studs. A total of 28 ear blocks were per
formed on 26 patients. Two patients required bilateral ear blocks, and
17 earlobes were infected. Complete analgesia was obtained in 25 case
s, and two patients complained of tolerable discomfort during removal
of the ear-ring. Assessment of analgesia was not possible in one 5-yea
r-old child. We recommend this quick and simple technique for removal
of retained ear-rings, particularly when there is associated soft tiss
ue infection, in which case infiltration of local anaesthetic into the
earlobe is contraindicated.