POPLITEAL SCIATIC-NERVE BLOCK FOR POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA

Eighty-six patients were evaluated prospectively following the placeme nt of a sciatic nerve block in the popliteal fossa after a major foot or ankle operation. Needle placement was guided by a peripheral nerve stimulator and 30 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine was used. Ni nety-seven percent of patients had a successful block. Only one patien t had severe discomfort during the block placement. The block lasted a n average of 20 hours. During the first 24 hours after surgery, patien ts took an average of three hydrocodone tablets. Twenty-two of the 23 patients who had had previous major foot or ankle surgery found that t he block was better than their previous pain control regimen. No patie nt had complications related to the block and 95% were satisfied and w ould have the block again.