Comparison between two regional anaesthesia techniques performer by inexperienced operators: the Gow-Gates block versus the Kenneth Reed block.

Aim. The aim was to compare the efficacy of Kenneth Reed and Gow-Gates inferior alveolar nerve blocks when performed by an inexperienced operator. Methods A group of 60 patients was randomised into two groups. One group had the Kenneth Reed technique used to administer an inferior alveolar nerve block whilst the other received the Gow-Gates technique. The efficacy of nerve block produced was evaluated both clinically and by electric pulp tester. Radiographic examination was undertaken to determine the spread of local anaesthetic. Results There were no significant differences in success rate of anaesthesia between groups. The failure rate for the Gow-Gates technique was 16.6%, whilst the failure rate for the Kenneth Reed technique was 23.3%. Time to onset was less with the Kenneth Reed technique. Radiographic examination showed the solution was more widely distributed after the Kenneth Reed block had been used. Conclusions Our research has demonstrated that the Kenneth Reed technique is equally effective at producing anaesthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve. Compared with conventional techniques there is a lower incidence of positive aspiration and potential for lower morbidity as the local anaesthetic is deposited further from the neurovascular bundle than when deposited near the mandibular foramen as in most conventional Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block techniques.