Comparison of the Sensitive Cutaneous Block Distribution Following Femoral Nerve Block Using Two Femoral Block Techniques

Comparison of the Sensitive Cutaneous Block Distribution Following Femoral Nerve Block Using an Ultrasound Plus Neurostimulator Technique Versus an Approach Based on the Localization of the Femoral Artery.

In this study, we will be comparing two approaches to the femoral block. The first or classical approach and one that is the most popular in our institution is used by combining ultrasound guidance and neurostimulator to do the block. The second is performed with the ultrasound alone aiming at the inferolateral aspect of the femoral artery with the needle and injecting. The primary endpoint of the study is the sensitive cutaneous block distribution using both techniques.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients scheduled for an elective surgery for which the anesthesiologist planned to do a single shot or continuous femoral nerve block.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any contraindication to the femoral nerve block (coagulopathy, infection, pre-existing neuropathy, local anesthetic allergy and refusal of local anesthesia).
• Refusal to participate in the study
• Inability to understand or communicate the effect of local anesthesia secondary to the femoral nerve bloc.