Ultrasound-guided Sciatic Nerve Block in Below Knee Amputation Surgery

Ultrasound -Guided Sciatic Nerve Block in Below Knee Amputation Surgery: Subgluteal Versus Popliteal

56 ASA physical status II and III patients, aged 45-75 year, undergoing elective below knee amputation were randomly assigned to receive either sciatic nerve block using a popliteal approach or a sub gluteal approach. Patients in both groups received same amount of LA and additional ultrasound guided femoral nerve block to ensure sensory block of the medial side of the leg. Success of the block was considered when the block is solid and doesn't require shifting to GA

56 ASA physical status II and III patients, aged 45-75 year, undergoing elective below knee amputation were randomly assigned to receive either sciatic nerve block using a popliteal approach (group P, n 28) or a sub gluteal approach (group G, n 28). Patients in both groups received same amount of LA (25 ml of bupivacaine 0.5 %) and additional ultrasound guided femoral nerve block by 10 ml of bupivacaine 0.5% to ensure sensory block of the medial side of the leg. Time to complete sensory and motor block, time taken to perform the block, block-related complications, block duration, time for asking for rescue analgesia in the first 24 h were recorded and both patients and surgeons were asked about their level of satisfaction. Success of the block was considered when the block is solid and doesn't require shifting to GA

Inclusion Criteria:

• ASA physical status II and III patients
• aged 45-75 years,
• undergoing elective below knee amputation

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients who refused to participate in the study,
• those having allergy to local anaesthetics,
• or having contraindications to regional anaesthesia (having neurologic or neuromuscular disease, on anticoagulation therapy, or having skin infection at the site of needle insertion).