Blockade of the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa

In this article we reviewed different approaches to the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa. Alone or associated with the internal saphenous nerve block, it is an easy, reliable, long lasting block with a low percentage of complications. It is indicated for anesthesia and/or analgesia in forefoot, ankle and foot surgeries. Knowledge of the principles of nerve stimulation and anatomic characteristics of the sciatic nerve are needed for its successful implementation. Success of the block is mainly determined by eliciting inversion or combined inversion/plantar flexion at 0.3-0.5 mA/0.1 msec and by injecting 35 to 45 ml of the selected local anesthetic.