Use and Effectiveness of Ethyl Chloride for Hand Injections.

摘要: Purpose Limited literature supports using ethyl chloride topical spray as an anesthetic for hand injections whereas documented risks include frostbite, skin irritation, and inhalation toxicity. We hypothesize that imparts no benefit to patients' perception of pain or anxiety routine injections. Methods first surveyed all members the American Society Surgery Hand discern prevalence use during then performed a prospective, randomized, study at 2 institutions evaluating efficacy compared with "routine injection" (no spray) in patients indicated injection. All completed pre- postinjection 11-point questionnaire inquired about various components anxiety. Results A total 2,083 (73% response rate) responded survey revealed 59% surgeons always often chloride, 24% never it. There were differences region practice setting, but experienced less likely routinely (35%) younger (66%). Among 151 participating clinical (75 chloride), there any outcome measure assessed. Injection no-spray groups, after 1 minute, overall equivalent. Subgroup analysis demonstrated effect sex, anticipated anxiety, threshold. Conclusions Ethyl is widely used among setting. The potential costs may outweigh its benefits. Type study/level evidence Therapeutic II.