Ankle Block Versus Popliteal Fossa Block as Primary Anesthesia for Forefoot Surgical Procedures

Ankle Block Versus Popliteal Fossa Block as Primary Anesthesia for Forefoot Surgical Procedures: A Prospective Comparison

The purpose of this study is to compare, for the first time ever, single shot popliteal fossa blocks to ankle blocks as primary anesthesia for patients undergoing forefoot procedures. The primary outcome variable for this study is the percentage of patients that convert to general anesthesia following either a single shot popliteal fossa block or ankle block.

H0: There is no difference in the percentage of patients that convert to general anesthesia between single shot popliteal fossa blocks and ankle blocks.

HA: There will be a lower percentage of patients receiving a single shot popliteal fossa block that convert to general anesthesia compared to patients receiving an ankle block.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing elective forefoot surgery, including both soft-tissue and osseous procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diabetes
• Any form of Peripheral neuropathy
• Known allergy to local anesthesia
• Active infection