title: Levobupivacaine versus ropivacaine in psoas compartment block and sciatic nerve block in orthopedic surgery of the lower extremity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare the clinical profiles of psoas block and sciatic nerve block performed with either 0.5% levobupivacaine or 0.75% ropivacaine.
  
  
  METHODS
  With ethical committee approval and written informed consent 80 ASA physical status I-II patients, undergoing lower extremity surgery received intravenous premedication with midazolam (0.05 mg/kg) and atropine (0.01 mg/kg). Patients were randomly allocated to receive a lumbar plexus block with: Levobupivacaine Group (L) 30 ml of 0.5% levobupivacaine or Ropivacaine Group (R) 0.75% ropivacaine, and sciatic nerve block with: Group R 10 ml 0.75 ropivacaine or Group L 0.5% levobupivacaine. The onset time and duration of nerve block were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The motor onset time was shorter in Group L than in Group R. The motor offset time was similar in the 2 groups, the time being slightly greater for Group R. Group L presented a higher difference of resolution to motor-sensitive block compared to Group R.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The differences between Groups L and R were characterised by: a faster motor onset time in Group L with a longer time between motor and sensitive resolution determining a lower demand for analgesic drugs postoperatively and greater support for motor control recovery.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Anesthesia and Resuscitation, Umberto I Hospital, Ancona, Italy. c_piangatelli@virgilio.it
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Piangatelli
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: De Angelis
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pecora
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Recanatini
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Testasecca
mesh_terms: D000577:Amides; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D002045:Bupivacaine; D006801:Humans; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009407:Nerve Block; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D016658:Psoas Muscles; D000077212:Ropivacaine; D012584:Sciatic Nerve
chemical_list: D000577:Amides; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077212:Ropivacaine; D002045:Bupivacaine