Lateral trans-biceps popliteal block for elective foot and ankle surgery performed after induction of general anesthesia.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to determine safety and efficacy of lateral transtendinous popliteal blocks performed after induction of general anesthesia for intraoperative and postoperative pain control in elective foot and ankle surgery.


METHODS
The charts of 475 consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed. The technique was a lateral transtendinous popliteal block under nerve stimulator direction (described in the text). Patient records were retrospectively evaluated from the postanesthesia care unit, as well as at followup on postoperative day 1 and weeks 2, 6, and 12.


RESULTS
The block was complete in 398 patients (83.7%). An incomplete block was found in 77 patients (16.2 %). In the incomplete category, 21 patients (4.4%) had no pain but some motor function, 32 patients (6.5%) reported mild to moderate pain, and 24 patients (5.3%) had severe pain. The average block duration was 16.5 hours. There were no adverse effects documented in any patient at followup.


CONCLUSIONS
Lateral popliteal nerve block after induction of general anesthesia appears to be safe and effective for intraoperative and postoperative pain control in elective foot and ankle surgery.
Herr
Mark J
MJ
Luther Midelfort Clinic, Mayo Health Systems, 1400 Bellinger Street, Eau Claire, WI 54702, USA. herr.mark@mayo.edu
Keyarash
Ario B
AB
Muir
Jesse J
JJ
Kile
Todd A
TA
Claridge
Richard J
RJ
D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000842:Ankle / Q000601:surgery*; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D012189:Retrospective Studies