Effectiveness of Leg Raise and Leg Fold Maneuver to Prevent Syncope During Extraction of Teeth: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objectives The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of leg raise and leg fold maneuvers to prevent syncope during extraction procedures. Methods This study included 30 patients with a previous history of syncope and dental anxiety. Patients were randomly divided into two groups consisting of 15 patients each. Group I (test group) patients were educated about a few physical maneuvers, and instructions were given preoperatively about when to perform them. Group II (control group) underwent extraction conventionally. The blood pressure, saturation, pulse rate, and clinical signs and symptoms of the patients were assessed preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. Informed consent was obtained from all the patients. Results There is a significant difference between the control and study groups in terms of the occurrence of syncope and patient comfort. This indicates that the leg raise and leg fold maneuvers reduce the occurrence of syncope during extraction. No participant in the test group experienced syncope post-treatment, while five subjects (33.3%) experienced syncope in the control group. Conclusion Physical counterpressure maneuvers are a risk-free, effective, and low-cost treatment method in patients with vasovagal syncope. Leg raise and leg fold maneuvers improved the hemodynamics of the patients.

Keywords: anxiety during exodontia; exodontia; extraction of teeth; leg raise and leg fold maneuver; prevention of syncope; syncope; syncope during extraction; vasovagal syncope.

Figure 1. Patient performs leg raise maneuver in the dental chair during extraction

Figure 2. Patient performs leg fold maneuver in the dental chair during extraction, while the operator performs extraction without any hindrance