Sciatic nerve block: a new lateral approach.

The currently available methods for local anaesthetic block of the sciatic nerve are difficult to perform. Here we describe a new and easier technique for the block. The sciatic nerve is approached from the lateral side of the thigh with the patient lying supine and is identified by simple anatomical landmarks with the help of a nerve stimulator. The technique was found to be safe and effective in over 100 cases. It can be learnt quickly and is easily remembered.