Regional Anesthesia — MCQs

Q: In the Gow-Gates technique, what is the target area?

Neck of the condyle. ### Explanation The **Gow-Gates technique** is a true mandibular nerve block that anesthetizes almost the entire distribution of the mandibular nerve (V3). **1. Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The target area for the Gow-Gates technique is the **lateral aspect of the neck of the condyle**, just below the insertion of the external pterygoid muscle. By depositing local anesthetic at this high point, the clinician targets the mandibular nerve trunk before it branches into the inferior alveolar, lingual, and buccal nerves. This results in a higher success rate (approx. 95%) compared to the traditional Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block (IANB). **2. Why Incorrect Options are Wrong:** * **Head of the condyle:** This is too superior. Aiming for the head increases the risk of entering the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule or causing trauma to the articular disc. * **Medial side of the ramus:** This is the target for the **traditional Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block (IANB)** at the level of the mandibular foramen. * **Lateral side of the condyle:** While the target is on the lateral aspect of the *neck*, "lateral side of the condyle" usually refers to the bony prominence of the head, which is not the specific site for deposition. **3. High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Nerves Blocked:** Inferior alveolar, lingual, mylohyoid, mental, incisive, auriculotemporal, and buccal nerves. * **Landmarks:** The needle is aimed toward the **intertragic notch** of the ear, with the barrel of the syringe usually resting on the contralateral mandibular premolars. * **Advantage:** Lower aspiration rate (1.9%) compared to IANB (10-15%) and successful anesthesia in cases of accessory innervation (e.g., bifid inferior alveolar nerve). * **Disadvantage:** Slower onset of action (5-7 minutes) due to the larger diameter of the nerve trunk at this level.

Practice by Chapter

Neuraxial Anatomy

Practice Questions

Spinal Anesthesia

Practice Questions

Epidural Anesthesia

Practice Questions

Combined Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia

Practice Questions

Peripheral Nerve Blocks: Upper Extremity

Practice Questions

Peripheral Nerve Blocks: Lower Extremity

Practice Questions

Truncal Blocks

Practice Questions

Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia

Practice Questions

Complications of Regional Anesthesia

Practice Questions

Regional Anesthesia in Pediatric Patients

Practice Questions

Regional Anesthesia in Obstetrics

Practice Questions

Continuous Peripheral Nerve Catheters

Practice Questions

Want unlimited practice?

Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.

Start For Free

Scan to download app