| Title: | Ultrasound vs nerve stimulation multiple injection technique for posterior popliteal sciatic nerve block |
| Author(s): | Danelli, G. Fanelli, A. Ghisi, D. Moschini, E. Rossi, M. Ortu, A. Baciarello, M. Fanelli, G. |
| Address: | Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, University Hospital, Parma, Italy. |
| Abstract: | In this prospective, randomised, observer-blinded study we evaluated whether ultrasound guidance can shorten the onset time of popliteal sciatic nerve block as compared to nerve stimulation with a multiple injection technique. Forty-four ASA I-III patients undergoing posterior popliteal sciatic nerve block with 20 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine were randomly allocated to nerve stimulation or ultrasound guided nerve block. A blinded observer recorded onset of sensory and motor blocks, success rates, the need for fentanyl intra-operatively, the requirement for general anaesthesia, procedure-related pain, patient satisfaction and side-effects. Onset times for sensory and motor blocks were comparable. The success rate was 100% for ultrasound guided vs 82% for nerve stimulation (p = 0.116). Ultrasound guidance reduced needle redirections (p = 0.01), were associated with less procedural pain (p = 0.002) and required less time to perform (p = 0.002). Ultrasound guidance reduced the time needed for block performance and procedural pain. |
