Abstract
The aim of this randomized controlled study was to determine whether administration of lignocaine with adrenaline is less painful when injected at room temperature compared to refrigerated temperature. A cohort of 50 patients undergoing unilateral carpal tunnel decompression was randomized to room temperature or refrigerated local anaesthetic. Pain scores were assessed using a 10 mm visual analogue scale. Mean pain scores were 4.0 (SD ± 1.5) for room temperature and 6.5 (SD ± 1.7) for refrigerated local anaesthetic (P < 0.001). This study demonstrates that patients experience greater pain levels with administration of local anaesthetic at refrigerated temperatures prior to open carpal tunnel release.
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