Popliteal sciatic nerve block for postoperative analgesia.

Eighty-six patients were evaluated prospectively following the placement of a sciatic nerve block in the popliteal fossa after a major foot or ankle operation. Needle placement was guided by a peripheral nerve stimulator and 30 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine was used. Ninety-seven percent of patients had a successful block. Only one patient had severe discomfort during the block placement. The block lasted an average of 20 hours. During the first 24 hours after surgery, patients took an average of three hydrocodone tablets. Twenty-two of the 23 patients who had had previous major foot or ankle surgery found that the block was better than their previous pain control regimen. No patient had complications related to the block and 95% were satisfied and would have the block again.