Twin block (Rutgers University)

The Twin block is a local anesthetic nerve block technique and therapeutic intervention developed by researchers at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, for the management of acute postoperative pain, particularly following third molar (wisdom tooth) extractions. The procedure involves the targeted administration of local anesthetics to the masseteric and deep temporal nerves, which provide sensory and motor innervation to the primary 'closer' muscles of the jaw, specifically the masseter and temporalis muscles. By achieving rapid and sustained analgesia at the surgical site, the Twin block is designed to significantly reduce the patient's requirement for systemic opioid analgesics during the immediate postoperative period. It is currently being evaluated in Phase 2 clinical trials, often in combination with digital health platforms like the iPill active dispenser to monitor and regulate analgesic consumption and prevent opioid misuse.

Other names

Twin block local anesthetic techniqueTwin block nerve block