REGIONAL ANESTHESIA IN FOOT AND ANKLE SURGERY

A method of regional anesthesia use in forefoot and midfoot surgery is described. Careful identification of the peripheral sensory nerves al lows for effective anesthesia using bupivacaine and lidocaine in addit ion to sedation for comfort. A review of 355 patients showed that 98% received an effective surgical block of the sensory nerves. Complicati ons were found to be minimal and patient satisfaction was high. This m ethod provides a safe and effective anesthesia alternative for foot an d ankle surgery.