Ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block: description of a new approach at the subgluteal space

Br J Anaesth. 2007 Mar;98(3):390-5. doi: 10.1093/bja/ael364.

Abstract

Sciatic nerve block is frequently used for anaesthesia or analgesia during orthopaedic foot surgery and there are several different approaches to the sciatic nerve. This report describes a new approach to the sciatic nerve using ultrasound. Local anesthetic was injected into the 'subgluteal space' under ultrasound guidance which was effective in producing sciatic nerve block in a small series of five patients. The anatomy, sonographic features, technique of identifying the subgluteal space, and potential advantages of this approach to the sciatic nerve are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthetics, Local / administration & dosage*
  • Foot / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / diagnostic imaging
  • Nerve Block / methods*
  • Orthopedic Procedures
  • Sciatic Nerve / anatomy & histology
  • Sciatic Nerve / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thigh / anatomy & histology
  • Thigh / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional / methods*

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local