Effect of Dexamethasone and Epinephrine on the Duration of Sciatic Nerve Blocks With Ropivacaine

Effect of Dexamethasone and Epinephrine on the Duration of Sciatic Nerve Blocks With Ropivacaine in Ankle and Foot Surgery

The aim of the present study is to test that adding dexamethasone or epinephrine significantly prolongs the duration of sciatic nerve blocks with ropivacaine and that the magnitude of the effect differs among dexamethasone and epinehrine.

In a double-blinded trial utilizing single-injection sciatic nerve block, patients are randomly assigned to one of three groups: control: 0.5% ropivacaine adding normal saline; epinephrine: 0.5% ropivacaine adding epinephrine; dexamethasone: 0.5% ropivacaine adding dexamethasone. We assess time to first analgesic request after post-anaesthesia care unit discharge.

Inclusion Criteria:

• American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II
• patients undergoing elective hallux valgus repair

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients receiving chronic analgesic therapy
• diabetes
• peripheral neuropathies
• psychiatric disorders
• hypersensitivity to amide local anesthetics
• renal disorders