Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
Popliteal block for ankle arthrodesis: a case series
Popliteal block with transfibular approach in ankle arthrodesis: a case series
Journal of Medical Case Reports 2010, 4:135doi:10.1186/1752-1947-4-135
| Published: | 12 May 2010 |
Abstract (provisional)
Introduction
Ankle arthrodesis is primarily done for control of severe pain in the ankle joint. Immediate post-operative pain is usually treated using oral analgesics, intravenous opiates and regional anaesthesia. Outcomes following ankle fusion including patient satisfaction studies are well documented in the literatures. However the advantage of popliteal block in the management of early post-operative pain after ankle fusion for osteoarthritis has not been widely reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of popliteal block in the management of ankle osteoarthritis, using ankle fusion.
Case presentation
Twenty-seven cases of ankle arthrodeses were performed on 26 patients over a 5year period. Eighteen were males (one had bilateral arthrodesis) and eight were females. Their mean age was 56years and they were all Caucasians. The notes and radiographs of the patients were retrospectively reviewed for duration of hospital admission, time to union and complications.
Conclusion
Popliteal block is a safe and effective technique for post-operative analgesia in ankle arthrodesis. We achieved a significant reduction in the duration of hospital stay after ankle arthrodesis by using this technique. The resultant cost saving was GBP717.00 for each patient.
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