The posterior superior alveolar nerve (PSAN) block is a technique for achieving anesthesia for the maxillary molars.
The PSAN is a major sensory branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve.
A PSAN block injection is a procedure employed for effective pain control for the posterior maxillary teeth and surrounding structures supplied by this nerve.
Regardless of the care used in administration of Posterior superior anesthetic technique, unusual reactions can occur.
Complications arising from the PSAN block include hematoma formation, transient diplopia, blurred vision, and temporary blindness.
► See also: DENTAL ANESTHESIA : Mandibular Nerve Block Technique
A case is presented in which posterior superior alveolar administration of two percent Lignocaine 1/100 000 epinephrine resulted in medial rotation of the orbit.
Reported complications and case reports of patient's experiences of ophthalmological visual or motor problems from PSAN injections denotes the technical difficulties in mastering this technique and current drawbacks of the present PSAN block.
° Source : aeronline.org / Anesthesia Essaysand Researches
° Authors : K Thangavelu, N Senthil Kumar, R Kannan, J Arun Kumar