Journal of accident & emergency medicine
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A local anaesthetic block of branches of the greater auricular and auriculotemporal nerves was used to facilitate the extraction of retained butterfly backs and ear-ring studs. A total of 28 ear blocks were performed on 26 patients. ⋯ Assessment of analgesia was not possible in one 5-year-old child. We recommend this quick and simple technique for removal of retained ear-rings, particularly when there is associated soft tissue infection, in which case infiltration of local anaesthetic into the earlobe is contraindicated.