Comparison of Time Development of the Sciatic Nerve Blockade Performed with 1% Lidocaine Subgluteal and Popliteal Approach under Ultrasound Guidance

Abstract

The existing researches in the field of regional anesthesia of the sciatic nerve show that if popliteal sciatic nerve blockade is performed, the time of the development of the sciatic nerve anesthesia is longer in comparison with subgluteal sciatic nerve blockade. Background: The aim of the research is to compare the time of the development of the sciatic nerve blockade performed with 1% lidocaine with epinephrine (1:200,000) in subgluteal and popliteal areas under ultrasound guidance. Materials and Methods: Patients were divided into two groups. In Group A (20 patients), the subgluteal approach to block the sciatic nerve was taken; in Group B (20 patients), the popliteal approach was applied. All blockades of the sciatic nerve were performed with 1% lidocaine (30 ml of lidocaine with epinephrine (1:200,000)) and electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves under ultrasound guidance. We measured the time of the development of sensory and motor blocks. Results: In Group A, the sciatic nerve sensory block developed in 15 (14 -16) minutes, a complete motor block developed in 15.5 (15 -17) minutes. In Group B the sciatic nerve sensory block developed in 40 (38.5 -42.5) minutes while a complete motor block did not develop in any patient. Conclusion: When the sciatic nerve is blocked in subgluteal area with 30 ml of 1% lidocaine with epinephrine (1:200,000) under ultrasound guidance, sensory blocks develop faster than during the popliteal blockade: 15 (14 -16) minutes vs. 40 (38.5 -42.5) minutes respectively. The opportunity to define the place of the introduction of local anesthetic in our research is limited.