Pain Control Effect of Block of Sciatic Nerve in the Popliteal Fossa after Hallux Valgus Surgery

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the pain-control effect and overall satisfaction of block of sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa after hallux valgus surgery. METHOD: 33 cases with elective operation for hallux valgus were prospectively investigated. All blocks were performed with the aid of a peripheral nerve stimulator, and 0.5% pucaine was injected in a dose of 1.5 mg/kg when minimal stimulator output still elicited a slight motor response of the foot. In evaluating the analgesics effects of the nerve block, the intensity of pain was assessed by using VAS before, immediately after, and at given time intervals during 36 hours. In the control group, the pain scores were assessed after immediate post-operation and at the given time intervals during 36 hours. The nerve block group rated their level of satisfaction at the first visit of out-patient clinic after discharge. RESULTS: There was significant pain-control effect at least during 24 hours after the nerve block. The patient's satisfaction was high and they had no severe complications. CONCLUSION: Block of sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa provides high satisfaction as the safe effective pain-control method after hallux valgus surgery, so it may be available method for postoperative analgesia after another foot surgery.