The effect of bilateral mental nerve blocks by bupivacaine on post-operative pain control in mandibular symphysis fracture

Abstract

Pain control is very important and many methods were suggested to reduce pain. one of the common methods in post-operative pain control is long-acting local anesthetics. Methods and materials: A total of 50 patients which had mandibular symphysis fracture, were studied in two groups of control and study with 25 patients. In contrast to control group, study group received bilateral mental nerve blocks by bupivacaine post-operatively. Patients were examined about pain severity and opioid analgesic drug need. Results: study group requested less opioid than control significantly ( P=0.003). control and study groups were different in first opioid administration time. control study groups received first opioid dose in 0-2 and 2-4 hours, respectively. Conclusion: Bilateral mental nerve blocks by bupivacaine were effective in reducing opioid analgesic drug need and controling the post-operative pain in mandibular symphysis fracture.