Perineural Catheter Insertion Distance for Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks

Perineural Catheter Insertion Distance for Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks

This is a research study to determine if the effects of continuous peripheral nerve blocks are influenced by the distance of insertion past the needle tip of the perineural catheter.

Specific Aim: Research study to determine the relationships between perineural catheter insertion distance and subsequent continuous peripheral nerve block effects.

Hypothesis: during ultrasound-guided perineural catheter placement, inserting the catheter 0-1cm past the needle tip is associated with decreased postoperative pain compared with inserting the catheter 5-6cm past the needle tip.

Inclusion Criteria:

• undergoing surgery with a planned popliteal perineural catheter for postoperative analgesia
• age 18 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy
• inability to communicate with the investigators and hospital staff
• incarceration
• clinical neuropathy in the surgical extremity
• chronic high-dose opioid use
• history of opioid abuse