A Case of Broken Local Anesthetic Needle in the Pterygomandibular Space; Diagnostic Approaches and Surgical Management

Needle fracture during dental local anesthetic injections is a rare but significant, potentially serious complication. Various approaches for the location and removal of broken needles have been described; however, there are several difficulties concerns related to potential complications critical anatomic challenges peculiar head neck region. In this case, we describe diagnostic utilized in locating needle that migrated pterygomandibular space following gag reflex, sudden movement middle-aged male patient. A meticulous approach was employed locate utilizing CBCT scan, CT scan with contrast, C-arm X-ray machine. The successfully retrieved using an angled hemostat inserted through oral incision, guided by machine ENT endoscopic instruments. While careful planning could prevent many may arise surgical procedures, inadvertent events leading should be addressed appropriate timely techniques pre-and intra-operatively.