Continuous lateral sciatic blocks for acute postoperative pain management after major ankle and foot surgery.
We developed a continuous lateral sciatic nerve infusion technique for postoperative analgesia.


METHODS
A 10-cm insulated Tuohy needle connected to a nerve stimulator was introduced posteriorly between the biceps femoris and vastus lateralis groove 10 cm cephalad from the tip of the patella. After proper positioning of the insulated needle, a 20-gauge catheter was placed in proximity to the sciatic nerve.


RESULTS
Continuous lateral sciatic infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine was associated with a significant reduction of morphine consumption by 29% and 62% during postoperative days one and two, respectively, in patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the ankle.


CONCLUSIONS
Continuous lateral sciatic infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine represents an alternative for acute postoperative pain control after major ankle and foot surgery.
Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, 77030-1503, USA. chelje@anes.upmc.edu
Jacques E
JE
Chelly
Jennifer
J
Greger
Andrea
A
Casati
Tameem
T
Al-Samsam
William
W
McGarvey
Thomas
T
Clanton
D000328:Adult; D000577:Amides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000842:Ankle / Q000601:surgery*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000077212:Ropivacaine; D012584:Sciatic Nerve
D000577:Amides; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077212:Ropivacaine