EVALUATION OF PERIPHERAL NERVE BLOCKS FOR LOWER EXTREMITY PROCEDURES

Abstract

Blocks of the lower extremity are less popular than those routinely employed for surgical procedures of the upper extremity. In part this is due to the wide spread acceptance and safety of spinal and epidural anesthesia. Further more unlike brachial plexus, the nerves suppyling the lower extremity are widely separated from each other as they enter the thigh and can not blocked easily. Because of the anatomic consideration, these blocks are technically more difficult and require more training.

The aim of this study was to throw more lights on some techniques of peripheral nerve blocks of lower limb other than spinal or epidural anesthesia and also to observe its postoperative analgesic effect, success rate, patients satisfaction and complications. This study was carried out on (57) patients. Thirty patients scheduled for surgery on knee joint and thigh were grouped into group A and recieved combined 3-in-l block and sciatic nerve block by (posterior approach) using 0.25% bupivacaine with 40mL volume for 3 in 1 block and 20mL volume for sciatic nerve block. Twent seven patients were scheduled for foot surgery and grouped into group B which recieved ankle block using 30 ml volume of 0.25% bupivacaine.