Sciatic nerve block

Sciatic nerve block
Nerves of the right lower extremity Posterior view

A sciatic nerve block is a nerve block that uses local anesthetic to achieve analgesia in the leg. The block works by affecting the sciatic nerve and is used for surgeries at or below the knee.[1]

The sciatic nerve is located in the gluteus maximus muscle, where the block is performed.[1] The sciatic nerve can be blocked at different locations. At the popliteal fossa, the sciatic nerve divides into its two branches: The tibial and the common peroneal nerve. If surgery is performed on the ankle, achilles tendon or foot a popliteal block can be performed, affecting the two branches of the sciatic nerve. It is done above the knee on the [1] posterior leg where the sciatic nerve starts splitting into the common peroneal and tibial nerves.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Lower Extremity Nerve Blocks" (PDF). NYSORA. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
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