Ver el código de «Nerve block: auricular»

==Background==
[[File:Gray784.png|thumb|Dermatome distribution of the trigeminal nerve, also showing the sensory distribution of the great auricular, lesser occipital, and greater occipital nerves.]]
*External ear innervated by four sensory nerves
**Greater auricular nerve
**Lesser occipital nerve
**Auricular branch of vagus nerve
**Auriculotemporal nerve
*Provides anesthesia to the entire ear without distorting anatomy

==Indications==
*Repair of [[lacerations]]
*I+D of hematoma or [[abscess]], or other painful procedures involving the external ear

==Contraindications==
*Infection at injection site
*Allergy to chosen anesthetic
*Coagulopathy

==Equipment==
*Syringe, 5-10 mL
*Needle, 25-27 gauge
*Local anesthetic (e.g. [[lidocaine]] 1%, [[bupivacaine]] 0.25%)
*Antiseptic (e.g. Betadine, Chlorhexidine, Alcohol)
*Sterile gloves
*Sterile drape
*Gauze

==Technique==
===Ring block===
''Provides anesthesia to entire ear''
#Place patient in supine or sitting position
#Disinfect skin at the base and superior aspect of ear using chosen antiseptic
#Insert needle into the skin just inferior to the attachment of the earlobe to the head
#Advance needle just anterior to the tragus, aspirate while advancing 
#Inject 2-3 mL of anesthetic while slowly withdrawing needle back to the original injection site
#Redirect and advance needle posterior and superior, aspirating while advancing
#Inject 2-3 mL anesthetic while withdrawing needle
#Remove needle and reinsert just superior to the attachment of the helix to the scalp
#Advance needle just anterior to the tragus, aspirate while advancing
#Inject 2-3 mL anesthetic while withdrawing needle toward to the original puncture site
#Redirect and advance needle posterior to the ear
#Inject 2-3 mL anesthetic while withdrawing needle

===Auriculotemporal block===
''Provides anesthesia to helix and tragus''
#Disinfect skin with antiseptic 
#Insert needle just anterior and superior to tragus
#Aspirate, slowly inject 3-4 mL anesthetic 

===Field block===
''Provides anesthesia to ear lobe and lateral helix''
#Disinfect skin with antiseptic
#Insert needle behind the earlobe 
#Aspirate, slowly inject 3-4 mL anesthetic while advancing superiorly

==Complications==
*Infection
*Allergic reaction
*Hematoma
*Inadequate anesthesia
*Cannulation of superficial temporal artery (located medial to the ear, crosses over zygomatic arch)
**Hold firm pressure with gauze for at least 20-30 minutes

==See also==
*[[Nerve and regional blocks (main)]]

==External links==

===Videos===
{{#widget:YouTube|id=6ZiB_9eNpcA}}

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Procedures]]
[[Category:ENT]]