Reevaluation of the sciatic nerve block.
OBJECTIVE
Sciatic nerve blocks are perceived as unreliable, technically demanding, and uncomfortable. With strict criteria to define success rates, we designed a study to examine the efficacy of two techniques of sciatic nerve block.


METHODS
All blocks were performed by a novice in sedated patients using an insulated needle and a nerve stimulator.


RESULTS
Overall success with both techniques was 87.5%. One transient neurologic deficit attributed to the sciatic nerve block was observed; otherwise, the technique provided satisfactory anesthesia without complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Patient acceptance was excellent.
Chang
P C
PC
Department of Anesthesia, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Lang
S A
SA
Yip
R W
RW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000628:therapy; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000502:physiology*