Bilateral mandibular block improves pain relief and morphine consumption in mandibular osteotomies: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Background: The sensory innervation of the lower jaw mainly depends on the third root of the trigeminal nerve, the mandibular nerve (V3). The aim of this single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bilateral V3 block for postoperative analgesia management in mandibular osteotomies.

Methods: 107 patients undergoing mandibular surgery (75 scheduled osteotomies and 32 mandible fractures) were randomized in two groups.