Lower limb nerve blocks

Peripheral nerve blocks are increasingly used for a wide range of surgical procedures involving the lower limb. A number of techniques can be used to provide anaesthesia and highly effective postoperative analgesia – in particular following lower limb arthroplasty – that may result in improved functional recovery and shorter in-patient stay. Ultrasound-guided nerve localization offers several potential advantages when performing femoral, popliteal and distal sciatic nerve block; however, neurostimulation remains a useful and widely used aid to lower limb regional anaesthesia practice.