The Journal of hand surgery, European volume
-
J Hand Surg Eur Vol · Feb 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialRandomized trial of buffered versus plain lidocaine for local anaesthesia in open carpal tunnel decompression.
We performed a randomized double-blind case-control study in 64 consecutive patients undergoing open carpal tunnel decompression under local anaesthetic to assess the pain experienced on injection of plain lidocaine (pH 6.4) compared with lidocaine buffered with sodium bicarbonate (pH 7.4). The results showed no statistical difference in the pain scores reported by patients. The mean pain scores for all patients were low, and most patients reported that they were "not at all anxious" about receiving a similar injection in the future.
-
A case of high-temperature, high-pressure injection injury of the hand is reported. The injury is particularly severe in that it involves both a high-temperature thermal insult and a pressure effect, either of which, alone, can result in major disability. It is evident that the high temperature of the injected material considerably reduced the pressure required for penetration of the tissues.