Subcutaneous anesthetic technique to the auriculotemporal nerve for minimally invasive procedures in the temporomandibular joint.

This article presents a novel and simple technique for anesthetic blockade of the auriculotemporal nerve, aimed at minimizing complications such as transient facial paralysis during minimally invasive procedures in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). By accessing the auriculotemporal nerve in the preauricular subcutaneous tissue, this method allows for effective anesthesia without affecting the facial nerve. This approach optimizes the use of anesthetic, and provides adequate depth of anesthesia for interventional procedures, such as TMJ arthrocentesis, while reducing the risk of complications associated with the traditional technique.