Trial Comparing Duration of Analgesia After Popliteal Fossa Sciatiac Nerve Block With Ropivacaine 0.5% When Combined With Placebo, Dexamethasone 4mg or Dexamethasone 8 mg

Randomized, Controlled Trial Comparing Duration of Analgesia After Popliteal Fossa Sciatiac Nerve Block With Ropivacaine 0.5% When Combined With Placebo, Dexamethasone 4mg or Dexamethasone 8 mg

The purpose is to find out if the addition of dexamethasone to ropivacaine 0.5% increases the duration of pain relief provided by popliteal sciatic nerve block performed for foot/ankle surgery. The investigators also want to find out if there is a difference between 4 and 8 mg dose of dexamethasone.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 18-64
• ASA Physcial Status classification 1-3
• Foot and ankle surgery at Ben Taub General Hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

• diabetes mellitus
• peripheral neuropathy
• coagulopathy
• allergy to study drugs
• systemic glucocorticoid treatment (for 2 weeks or more) within 6 months of surgery
• chronic opioid use at home
• patient inability to properly describe pain to investigators
• pregancy
• prisoners
• patient or surgeon refusal