A Case Report of an Ultrasound-Guided Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Block: An Asset for Emergency Lower Limb Debridement in a High-Risk Patient.

Severe sepsis, a syndrome characterized by systemic inflammation and acute organ dysfunction in response to infection, is a major healthcare problem affecting all age groups throughout the world. Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a common but poorly understood neurological complication of sepsis. It is characterized by diffuse brain dysfunction secondary to infection elsewhere in the body without overt central nervous system (CNS) infection. Such cases commonly present for emergency surgical management with inadequate fasting hours, limited time for preparation, and preoperative optimization. Regional blocks become the savior in such cases where both general and central neuraxial anesthesia become perilous. Here, we present a 70-year-old male, with a case of necrotizing fascitis of the left lower limb with septic encephalopathy, with compromised cardiac or respiratory function and deranged laboratory investigations. The patient was admitted for emergency lower limb debridement, and ultrasound-guided left lower limb popliteal sciatic nerve block along with an adductor canal block was chosen as the plan of anesthesia management.

Dexamethasone versus Dexmedetomidine as Adjuvants in Ultrasound Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Block for Hallux Valgus Surgery: A Mono-Centric Retrospective Comparative Study.

Background and Aim: Ultrasound popliteal sciatic nerve block (UPSNB) is commonly performed in foot and ankle surgery. This study aims to assess the use of dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone as adjuvants in UPSNB for hallux valgus (HV) surgery, comparing their efficacy in producing motor and sensory block and controlling postoperative pain. The adverse event rate was also evaluated. Methods: This mono-centric retrospective study included 62 adult patients undergoing HV surgery: 30 patients received lidocaine 2% 200 mg, ropivacaine 0.5% 50 mg and dexamethasone 4 mg (Group 1), whereas 32 patients received lidocaine 2% 200 mg, ropivacaine 0.5% 50 mg, and dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/Kg (Group 2). At first, the visual analogue scale (VAS) was evaluated after 48 hours. The other outcomes were time to motor block regression, evaluation of the first analgesic drug intake, analgesic effect, adverse effects (hemodynamic disorders, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)) and patient satisfaction. The continuous data were analyzed with student's t-test and the continuous one with χ2. Statistical significance was set at a p-value lower than 0.05. Results: No significant difference was found in VAS after 48 hours (4.5 ± 1.6 vs 4.7 ± 1.7, p = 0.621) to motor block regression (18.9 ± 6.0 vs 18.7 ± 6, p = 0.922). The number of patients that took their first analgesic drug in the first 48 h (p = 0.947 at 6 hours; p = 0.421 at 12 hours; p = 0.122 at 24 hours and p = 0.333 at 48 hours) were not significant. A low and similar incidence of intraoperative hemodynamic disorders was recorded in both groups (hypotension p = 0.593; bradycardia p = 0.881). Neither PONV nor other complication was found. Patients in Group 1 reported a lower degree of interference with sleep (p = 0.001), less interference with daily activities (P = 0.002) and with the affective sphere (P = 0.015) along with a more satisfactory postoperative pain management (p < 0.001) as compared to Group 2. Conclusion: No significant differences were observed in the duration of motor and sensory blockade between patients in both groups. Additionally, both groups showed good pain control with a low rate of adverse effects, even if there was no clinical difference between the groups. However, patients who received dexamethasone reported experiencing less interference with their sleep, daily activities and overall emotional well-being, and overall pain control.

Endovascular revascularization of critical limb ischemia: the role of ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block for the procedural pain management.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of the ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block (PSNB) for pain management during endovascular treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: From November 2020 to January 2022, 111 CLTI patients that underwent endovascular procedures were prospectively enrolled in this prospective single-arm interventional study. Ultrasound-guided PSNB was used for procedural pain control. Pain intensity was evaluated throughout the procedure (baseline, 10 min after the block, pain peak, and at the end of the procedure) with the visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: Forty-six patients underwent above-the-knee revascularization (ATK), 20/111 below-the-knee (BTK) revascularization, 20/111 to both ATK and BTK revascularization. In 25 cases, no endovascular option was feasible at diagnostic angiography. The PSNB was effective in 96% of patients, with no need for further pain management with a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.0001) in the mean value of the VAS from 7.86 ± 1.81 (pre-procedural) to 2.04 ± 2.20 after 10 min from the block and up to 0.74 ± 1.43 at the end of the procedure (mean time 43 min). Only 1 complication related to the popliteal sciatic nerve block was registered (a temporary foot drop, completely resolved within 48 h). The time necessary to perform the block ranged between 4 and 10 min. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided PSNB is a feasible and effective method to manage patients with rest pain and increase comfort and compliance during endovascular procedures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: An ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block is a safe, feasible, and effective technique to manage pain during endovascular treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia, especially in frail patients with multiple comorbidities who are poor candidates for deep sedoanalgesia or general anesthesia. KEY POINTS: Endovascular treatment of CTLI may require long revascularization sessions in patients with high levels of pain at rest, which could be exacerbated during the revascularization procedure. The PSNB is routinely used for anesthesia and analgesia during foot and ankle surgery, but the experience with lower limb revascularization procedures is very limited and not included in any international guideline. Ultrasound-guided PSNB is a feasible and effective regional anesthesia technique to relieve procedural and resting pain. Because of its safety and availability, every interventional radiologist should know how to perform this type of loco-regional anesthesia.

Evaluation of age-based local anaesthetic dosing of bupivacaine for popliteal sciatic nerve block in children undergoing foot and ankle surgery: A prospective single arm interventional study.

Background and Aims: Recommendations on paediatric single-injection local anaesthetic (LA) dosing for peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) are based on the children's weight and limited by weight-based toxicity concerns. In this study, we assessed the extent of circumferential spread and block characteristics following the injection of an age-based volume (age in years = LA volume) of 0.25% bupivacaine following popliteal sciatic nerve block (PSNB). Methods: Thirty children aged between 2 and 12 years with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II and undergoing foot and ankle surgical procedures were given single-injection ultrasound-guided subparaneural PSNB using 0.25% bupivacaine at age-based LA volume after the administration of anaesthesia. The circumferential pattern of LA spread (primary objective) was assessed along the nerve (both cephalad and caudal) using ultrasound from the point of administration and the block characteristics in terms of duration of sensory block. Results: The mean [standard deviation (SD)] cephalic circumferential LA spread distance was 2.52 (0.68) [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.27-2.76] cm. The mean (SD) caudal circumferential LA spread distance was 2.27 (0.48) [95% CI: 2.09-2.44] cm. The mean (SD) duration of the sensory block was 9.03 (0.97) [95% CI: 8.67-9.38] h. Conclusion: The age-based LA volume of bupivacaine for ultrasound-guided PSNB resulted in a longitudinal circumferential spread of around 4.7 cm (adding both cephalic and caudal spread) and provided adequate analgesia for nine postoperative hours.

Case report of anesthesia for free fibula flap reconstruction in Ewing sarcoma: Safety and efficacy of continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block and very low doses of intravenous heparin.

A child with a maxillary Ewing sarcoma was operated for tumor asportation and reconstruction with free fibula flap. Adequate anticoagulation was achieved with lower doses of heparin and monitored with multiple ACT values. We used NIRS monitoring to avoid hypoperfusion. Post-operative pain relief was guarantited by local anestethic continous infusion.

Ultrasound-Guided CAPS (Crosswise Approach to Popliteal Sciatic) Block: A Novel Technique for Supine Popliteal Fossa Block.

The sciatic nerve block in the popliteal fossa is a popular lower extremity block for below-knee surgeries. Here the sciatic nerve is targated at or just above the point of its divergence into the tibial and common peroneal nerves. Amongst the described techniques, the supine approach of popliteal fossa block offers greatest patient comfort but has a few challenges accessing the nerve. We describe a novel ultrasound-guided distal transverse or crosswise approach to popliteal sciatic (CAPS) block performed in five patients in the supine position without unsteadiness of the knee or hip joint.

Color Doppler ultrasonography of an agitated solution is predictive of accurate catheter placement for a continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block.

BACKGROUND: Continuous peripheral nerve catheters (PNCs) have been shown to provide superior postoperative analgesia, decrease opioid consumption, and improve patient satisfaction compared with single injection techniques. In order to achieve success and reliability, accurate catheter positioning is an essential element of PNC placement. An agitated solution of normal saline, D5W, or a local anesthetic solution can be produced by the introduction of air to the injectate, creating air bubbles that can enhance ultrasonographic visualization and possibly improve block success. METHODS: Eighty-three patients were enrolled. Ultrasound-guided continuous popliteal sciatic nerve blocks were performed by positioning the tip of a Tuohy needle between the tibial and common peroneal branches of the sciatic nerve and threading a catheter. An agitated local anesthetic solution was injected through the catheter, viewed with color Doppler ultrasound and video recorded. A peripheral block score (lower score = greater blockade, range 0-14) was calculated based upon the motor and sensory testing at 10, 20, and 30 min after block completion. The color Doppler agitation coverage pattern for the branches of the sciatic nerve was graded as follows: complete (> 50%), partial (> 0%, ≤ 50%), or none (0%). RESULTS: The degree of nerve blockade at 30 min as judged by median (10th, 90th percentile) peripheral block score was significant for partial or complete color Doppler coverage of the sciatic nerve injectate compared to no coverage [3 (0, 7) vs 8 (4, 14); p < 0.01] and block onset was faster (p = 0.03). The block success was higher in groups with partial or complete coverage of the branches of the sciatic nerve vs no coverage (96% vs 70%; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Injection of an agitated solution through a popliteal sciatic perineural catheter is predictive of accurate catheter placement when partial or complete coverage of the sciatic nerve branches is visualized with color Doppler ultrasound. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01591603.

Adding a low-concentration sciatic nerve block to total knee arthroplasty in patients susceptible to the adverse effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the effects of adductor canal blocks with those of a low concentration of popliteal-sciatic nerve block (SNB) and dexamethasone as an adjunctive technique for total knee arthroplasties (TKA) in patients susceptible to the adverse effects of NSAIDs. METHODS: A prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial was performed in 50 patients susceptible to the adverse effects of NSAIDs undergoing unilateral TKAs. All patients received spinal anesthesia, adductor canal blocks, and periarticular infiltration. The 25 patients in the intervention group received SNB (0.125% bupivacaine [20 ml] and dexamethasone [5 mg]). RESULTS: The SNB group significantly had lower median resting pain scores at 6, 12, and 18 h: the control group, 1 (0-4.5), 3 (0-5), and 3 (2-5); the intervention group, 0 (0-0), 0 (0-3), and 1 (0-3); p-values, 0.012, 0.021, and 0.010, respectively. Movement-evoked pain scores at 6, 12, and 18 h were also lower: control group, 3 (0-5.5), 5 (2.5-6.5), and 7 (4-9); intervention group, 0 (0-1.5), 2 (0-4), and 3 (2-5); p-values, 0.019, 0.005, and 0.001, respectively. There were no differences in motor function. Moreover, the mean morphine consumption 24 h was also reduced in the SNB group: control group, 3.80 ± 2.48 mg; intervention group, 1.96 ± 2 mg; p-value, 0.005. CONCLUSION: For patients susceptible to the adverse effects of NSAIDs, a low concentration of SNB and dexamethasone is an effective adjunctive technique for early postoperative pain control (especially on movement) following TKAs, without an increase in motor weakness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03486548 , Registered 3 April 2018.

The efficacy and safety of continuous versus single-injection popliteal sciatic nerve block in outpatient foot and ankle surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block (CPSNB) has been performed in outpatient foot and ankle surgery as a regional anesthesia method to relieve postoperative pain. Its efficacy as well as safety is yet to be established. There are two purposes of this study: (1) to validate the efficacy of CPSNB with regards to better pain relief and reduced analgesics consumption; (2) to assess the safety of CPSNB. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature review on Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, PubMed and Embase and only included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Five RCTs that compared the efficacy and safety of CPSNB with the single-injection popliteal sciatic nerve block group were included. The primary outcome parameters were visual analog scale (VAS) scores at postoperative 24, 48 and 72 h. The secondary outcome parameters were amount of oral analgesics consumed, overall patient satisfaction and need of admission after surgery. A sensitivity analysis was performed to explore the consistency of the results. RESULTS: In comparison with the single-injection group, CPSNB was associated with a lower VAS score at postoperative 24 and 48 h (p < 0.05). There were no neuropathic symptoms or infection events after the nerve block. However, there were several minor complications associated with the pump and catheter system, with drug leakage being the most common complication (N = 26 of 187, 13.9%). CONCLUSION: CPSNB is an effective method in pain management for outpatient foot and ankle surgery. Both methods appear to be safe as none of the patients experienced neuropathic symptoms or infection. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to compare the risk of major complications between the two methods. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I; meta-analysis.

Subparaneural Injection in Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Blocks Evaluated by MRI.

Intraneural injection of a local anesthetic can damage the nerve, yet it occurs frequently during distal sciatic block with no neurological sequelae. This has led to a controversy about the optimal needle tip placement that results from the particular anatomy of the sciatic nerve with its paraneural sheath. The study population included patients undergoing lower extremity surgery under popliteal sciatic nerve block. Ultrasound-guidance was used to position the needle tip subparaneurally and to monitor the injection of the local anesthetic. Sonography and magnetic resonance imaging were used to assess the extent of the subparaneural injection. Twenty-two patients participated. The median sciatic cross-sectional area increased from 57.8 mm2 pre-block to 110.8 mm2 immediately post-block. An intraneural injection according to the current definition was seen in 21 patients. Two patients had sonographic evidence of an intrafascicular injection, which was confirmed by MRI in one patient (the other patient refused further examinations). No patient reported any neurological symptoms. A subparaneural injection in the popliteal segment of the distal sciatic nerve is actually rarely intraneural, i.e. intrafascicular. This may explain the discrepancy between the conventional sonographic evidence of an intraneural injection and the lack of neurological sequelae.

Ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block: an effective alternative technique to control ischaemic severe rest pain during endovascular treatment of critical limb ischaemia.

PURPOSE: There are challenges with pain management related to a severely ischaemic limb. Although opioid-based treatment has been the cornerstone of pain relief, the use of these drugs should be limited because of their side effects in such vulnerable patients. We evaluated the utility and efficiency of sciatic nerve block as an alternative method to relieve severe rest pain during endovascular treatment of critical limb ischaemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 10 patients who received ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block for the relief of severe rest pain during endovascular treatment of critical limb ischaemia. The degree of pain relief was evaluated by using subjective criteria, from no relief of pain (= 1) to complete relief of pain (= 4). Details of endovascular treatment, time to perform the block, amount of local anaesthetics, duration of the block, need for supplemental analgesia, patient and operator satisfaction, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: All blocks were technically successful, and all of the patients had complete resolution of the pain within five minutes. The degree of pain relief was 3 in two patients and 4 in eight patients. All patients were satisfied with the block anaesthesia, and no patient required additional analgesia during this period. Operator satisfaction was very good in all cases. Complications secondary to block did not occur in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block provides effective pain control, which results in excellent patient and operator satisfaction during endovascular treatment of critical limb ischaemia with severe rest pain.

Clinical application of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve and popliteal sciatic nerve block in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery / 中国基层医药

Objective To observe the application of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block (FNB) and popliteal sciatic nerve block(PSNB) in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery.Methods From August 2015 to August 2017,60 patients scheduled for foot and ankle surgery undergoing laryngeal mask airway (LMA) general anesthesia in the People's Hospital of Langfang were randomly divided into 3 groups by the random number table,with 20 cases in each group.Before transfer patients from bed to operating table,A group received dezocine 5 mg iv,B group received FNB combined with PSNB (distal to the sciatic nerve bifurcation),C group received FNB combined with PSNB(proximal to the sciatic nerve bifurcation).A total of 40 mL of 0.375％ ropivacaine were injected guided by ultrasound in B group and C group.The time of sufficient sensory block and awake,the dosage of remifentanil and propofol were recorded.Pain was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) pre-and post block.The incidence of sleepiness,postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV),agitation,pain and adverse reaction were also recorded.Results The time of sufficient sensory block and awake,the dosage of remifentanil and propofol in A,B and C group:A group (not measured),(21.6 ± 1.6) min,(1183 ± 17) μg,(665.0 ± 6.7) mg;B group (25.5 ± 2.5) min,(15.3 ± 1.4) min,(635 ± 16) μg,(455.0 ±6.5)mg;C group (19.6 ±2.3)min,(14.9 ± 1.5)min,(598 ± 14) μg,(438.0±9.9) mg.The time of awake,the dosage of remifentanil and propofol in B group and C group were significantly lower than those in A group (F =44.07,52.41,62.45,all P ＜0.05).The time of sufficient sensory block in C group was lower than that in B group(t =15.69,P ＜ 0.05).The VAS scores at T2,T3 and T4 in A,B and C group:A group (4.5 ± 0.6) point,(8.4 ± 0.5) point,(6.1 ± 0.9) point;B group (2.6 ± 0.5) point,(3.9 ± 0.3) point,(2.4 ± 0.6) point;C group (2.5 ± 0.4) point,(2.3 ± 0.5) point,(1.1 ± 0.5) point.The VAS scores in B group or C group were significantly lower than those in A group (F =52.36,72.82,75.41,all P ＜ 0.05).The VAS scores at T3 and T4 in C group were significantly lower than those in B group (t =18.42,q =14.55,all P ＜ 0.05).The incidence rates of sleepiness,PONV,agitation and incision pain in A,B and C group:A group (25％,25％,15 ％,15 ％,50％);B group(0％,5％,0％,0％,10％);C group (0％,5％,0％,0％,0％).The number of patients who had adverse reactions in B or C group were significantly lower than those in A group (x2 =8.51,8.73,10.11,10.11,9.69,all P ＜0.05).The incidence rate of incision pain at sober in C group was lower than that in B group(x2 =10.89,P ＜0.05).Conclusion The ultrasound-guided FNB and PSNB (proximal to the sciatic nerve bifurcation) can obviously shorten the onset time,reduce the dosage of general anaesthetic.It has effective analgesia during transfer of patients from bed to operating table and sober.

Clinical application of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve and popliteal sciatic nerve block in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery / 中国基层医药

Objective@#To observe the application of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block(FNB) and popliteal sciatic nerve block(PSNB) in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery.@*Methods@#From August 2015 to August 2017, 60 patients scheduled for foot and ankle surgery undergoing laryngeal mask airway (LMA) general anesthesia in the People′s Hospital of Langfang were randomly divided into 3 groups by the random number table, with 20 cases in each group.Before transfer patients from bed to operating table, A group received dezocine 5 mg iv, B group received FNB combined with PSNB(distal to the sciatic nerve bifurcation), C group received FNB combined with PSNB(proximal to the sciatic nerve bifurcation). A total of 40 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine were injected guided by ultrasound in B group and C group.The time of sufficient sensory block and awake, the dosage of remifentanil and propofol were recorded.Pain was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) pre- and post block.The incidence of sleepiness, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), agitation, pain and adverse reaction were also recorded.@*Results@#The time of sufficient sensory block and awake, the dosage of remifentanil and propofol in A, B and C group: A group(not measured), (21.6±1.6)min, (1183±17)μg, (665.0±6.7)mg; B group (25.5±2.5)min, (15.3±1.4)min, (635±16)μg, (455.0±6.5)mg; C group (19.6±2.3)min, (14.9±1.5)min, (598±14)μg, (438.0±9.9)mg.The time of awake, the dosage of remifentanil and propofol in B group and C group were significantly lower than those in A group (F=44.07, 52.41, 62.45, all P<0.05). The time of sufficient sensory block in C group was lower than that in B group(t=15.69, P<0.05). The VAS scores at T2, T3 and T4 in A, B and C group: A group (4.5±0.6)point, (8.4±0.5)point, (6.1±0.9)point; B group (2.6±0.5)point, (3.9±0.3)point, (2.4±0.6)point; C group (2.5±0.4)point, (2.3±0.5)point, (1.1±0.5)point.The VAS scores in B group or C group were significantly lower than those in A group (F=52.36, 72.82, 75.41, all P<0.05). The VAS scores at T3 and T4 in C group were significantly lower than those in B group (t=18.42, q=14.55, all P<0.05). The incidence rates of sleepiness, PONV, agitation and incision pain in A, B and C group: A group (25%, 25%, 15%, 15%, 50%); B group(0%, 5%, 0%, 0%, 10%); C group(0%, 5%, 0%, 0%, 0%). The number of patients who had adverse reactions in B or C group were significantly lower than those in A group (χ2=8.51, 8.73, 10.11, 10.11, 9.69, all P<0.05). The incidence rate of incision pain at sober in C group was lower than that in B group(χ2=10.89, P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#The ultrasound-guided FNB and PSNB(proximal to the sciatic nerve bifurcation) can obviously shorten the onset time, reduce the dosage of general anaesthetic.It has effective analgesia during transfer of patients from bed to operating table and sober.

Liposomal Bupivacaine Versus Continuous Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Block in Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) is widely used in joint arthroplasty, but there is little reported on the use of LB in foot and ankle surgery. Continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block (CPSNB) is more commonly used for major foot and ankle reconstructions. The purpose of this study was to compare use of intraoperative LB injection to CPSNB as a regional anesthetic for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), with attention to postoperative pain scores, narcotic use, and complications. METHODS: Retrospective review of TAA patients of 2 fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons was performed. Patients received either preoperative single-shot popliteal sciatic nerve block with 0.2% ropivacaine followed by intraoperative injection of LB or preoperative CPSNB alone. Outcomes examined were visual analog scale (VAS) pain score at 8 hours, 24 hours, 1 week, and 3 weeks following surgery; need for opioid pain medication refill; physician office notification for pain issues or other adverse events; and complications within the first 90 days following surgery. Standard statistical analysis was performed, and P < .05 was considered significant. Seventy-five patients were identified who underwent TAA and met inclusion criteria. Forty-one received LB, and 34 received CPSNB. RESULTS: No statistical difference was seen between groups with regard to complications, emergency department visits, readmissions, reoperations, VAS pain score at any time point, physician office contacts, and narcotic refills. Sixteen of 41 (39%) LB patients had narcotic refills, versus 12 of 34 (35%) CPSNB patients ( P = .81). Two of 41 (5%) LB patients had a complication postoperatively, versus 4 of 34 (12%) CPSNB patients. There were no complications specific to the anesthetic used in either group. CONCLUSION: This is the first study evaluating the use of LB for total ankle arthroplasty. Liposomal bupivacaine was safe and effective as an option for regional anesthetic and postoperative pain control, with comparable results to CPSNB. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

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

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.