What is the proper bevel orientation relative to the periosteum?

What is the proper bevel orientation relative to the periosteum?

• A. Bevel away from bone
• B. Parallel to bone
• C. Bevel towards bone
• D. Perpendicular to bone

Answer: (C)

Bevel toward the bone is the best choice because directing the needle’s sharp edge against the bone allows the soft tissues to be cleaved away cleanly as you advance. This orientation reduces tearing of the periosteum and overlying tissues, minimizes trauma, and helps local anesthetic spread along the bone surface where the nerve fibers run. Beveling away from the bone or keeping the bevel parallel or perpendicular to the bone tends to shear tissue more, resist smooth entry, and can increase discomfort or tissue injury.

Bevel toward the bone is the best choice because directing the needle’s sharp edge against the bone allows the soft tissues to be cleaved away cleanly as you advance. This orientation reduces tearing of the periosteum and overlying tissues, minimizes trauma, and helps local anesthetic spread along the bone surface where the nerve fibers run. Beveling away from the bone or keeping the bevel parallel or perpendicular to the bone tends to shear tissue more, resist smooth entry, and can increase discomfort or tissue injury.