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Motor Block (motor + block)

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Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

Femoral nerve block with ropivacaine or bupivacaine in day case anterior crucial ligament reconstruction

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2010
H. WULF
Background/Objective: Our aim was to evaluate analgesia, motor block and pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine 0.2% and 0.75% in a femoral nerve block (FNB) in day case patients for anterior crucial ligament (ACL)-reconstruction compared with bupivacaine 0.25% and placebo. Methods: Following ethics committee approval and informed consent, 280 patients were randomly allocated to four groups for single-shot FNB [30 ml ropivacaine 0.2% (group RO2.0), 0.75% (RO7.5), bupivacaine 0.25% (BU2.5) and NaCl 0.9% (NaCl)]. Analgesia (pain scores, primary outcome) and motor block were assessed at 4 h (dismissal) and up to 24 h. Plasma concentration was determined up to 240 min thereafter. Results: Pain scores at 4 h were significantly higher for NaCl 4 (0,8) (median, range) (vs.) BU2.5 2 (0,8), RO2.0 3 (0,9) and RO7.5 2 (0,8) (NS within the LA groups). Patients of the NaCl group needed analgesics significantly more often (93%) within 4 h after surgery vs. 16% of group RO2.0, 19% of group RO7.5 and 19% of group BU2.5. Motor block was significantly increased with all local anesthetics without a significant difference within the LA groups 3 (0,5) in RO2.0, 3 (0,5) in RO7.5 and 3 (0,4) in BU2.5 vs. 0 (0,3) in group NaCl (median (range); scale from 0=full strength to 5=complete paralysis). Peak plasma concentrations differed significantly: RO7.5: 1.4 ± 0.4 (0.73,2.6) [,g/ml, mean ± SD (range)] after 33 ± 14 (10,40) min, RO2.0: 0.6 ± 0.3 (0.13,1.0) after 22+17 (10,60) and BU2.5: 0.3 ± 0.16 (0.05,0.62) at 31 ± 17 (10,60), respectively. Conclusion: FNB for ACL reconstruction with ropivacaine or bupivacaine provided better post-operative analgesia than placebo without reaching toxic plasma concentrations. Significant motor block was observed after 4 h in all groups including the lowest concentration of ropivacaine but occurred even with placebo. [source]

Intrathecal sufentanil decreases the median effective dose (ED50) of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine for caesarean delivery

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2010
X. CHEN
Background: The addition of opioid to local anaesthetics has become a well-accepted practice of spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery. Successful caesarean delivery anaesthesia has been reported with the use of a low dose of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine coadministered with sufentanil. This prospective, double-blinded study determined the median effective dose (ED50) of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine with and without sufentanil for caesarean delivery, to quantify the sparing effect of sufentanil on the ED50 of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine. Methods: Sixty-four parturients undergoing elective caesarean delivery with combined spinal,epidural anaesthesia were randomized into two groups: Group R (ropivacaine) and Group RS (ropivacaine plus sufentanil 5 ,g). The initial dose of ropivacaine was 13 mg in Group R and 10 mg in Group RS. The effective dose was defined as a T6 level attained within 10 min and no supplemental epidural anaesthetic required during surgery. Effective or ineffective responses determined, respectively, a 0.3 mg decrease or increase of the dose of ropivacaine for the next patient using an up,down sequential allocation. Results: The ED50 of intrathecal ropivacaine was 11.2 mg [confidence interval (CI) 95%: 11.0,11.6] in Group R vs. 8.1 mg (CI 95%: 7.8,8.3) in Group RS. Motor block was markedly more intense in Group R than in Group RS, and the incidence of shivering was lower in Group RS than in Group R. There were no differences in the onset time of sensory block or motor block, in the incidence of hypotension, nausea and vomiting. Conclusion: Intrathecal sufentanil 5 ,g produced a 28% reduction of ED50 of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine for caesarean delivery. [source]

Feasibility of electromyography (sEMG) in measuring muscular activity during spinal anaesthesia in patients undergoing knee arthroplasty

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2005
L. Niemi-Murola
Background:, Bromage scale (0,3) is used to measure the degree of motor block during spinal anaesthesia. However, an estimation of motor block is difficult during surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of surface EMG describing spontaneous muscular activity in the lower extremities during spinal anaesthesia. Methods:, In part I of the study, 13 patients undergoing day case surgery were studied. They received 10 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine at interspace L3,4. EMG, sensory and muscular block were measured at 5-min intervals during the first 30 min and then every 15 min until the patient was able to flex the knee. In part II of the study, 16 patients undergoing knee arthroplasty received 10 mg bupivacaine through spinal catheter at interspace L3,4 (Group CSA). An additional bolus of 2.5 mg was administered using EMG-guidance, if needed. Another group, 15 patients, received a single bolus of bupivacaine (15,20 mg) at L3,4 (Group Bolus). EMG, muscular and sensory block were monitored as described above. The epidural catheter was used as rescue. Results:, Part I: EMG compared to modified Bromage scale showed a significant correlation (P < 0.01, Spearman rank correlation). Part II: The amount of bupivacaine was significantly reduced with EMG guidance when compared with the single bolus group (14.0 mg vs. 17.0 mg) (P < 0.05 Mann,Whitney U). Motor block started to recover before the sensory block in 7/15 CSA patients vs. 1/15 Bolus patient. Conclusion:, Stable maximal sensory block does not necessarily correlate with adequate motor block in patients receiving spinal anaesthesia induced with small bolus doses. In spite of electrical noise, EMG-guided administration of spinal anaesthesia significantly reduced the amount of bupivacaine compared to the hospital routine. Further studies are needed to develop the method. [source]

The effects of clonidine on ropivacaine 0.75% in axillary perivascular brachial plexus block

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2000
W. Erlacher
Introduction: The new long-acting local anesthetic ropivacaine is a chemical congener of bupivacaine and mepivacaine. The admixture of clonidine to local anesthetics in peripheral nerve block has been reported to result in a prolonged block. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of clonidine added to ropivacaine on onset, duration and quality of brachial plexus block. Methods: Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. In group I brachial plexus was performed using 40 ml of ropivacaine 0.75% plus 1 ml of NaCL 0.9%, and in group II brachial plexus was performed using 40 ml of ropivacaine 0.75% plus 1 ml (0.150 mg) of clonidine. Onset of sensory and motor block of radial, ulnar, median and musculocutaneous nerve were recorded. Motor block was evaluated by quantification of muscle force, according to a rating scale from 6 (normal contraction force) to 0 (complete paralysis). Sensory block was evaluated by testing response to a pinprick in the associated innervation areas. Finally, the duration of the sensory block was registered. Data were expressed in mean±SD. For statistical analysis a Student t -test was used. A P -value of ,0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The duration of blockade was without significant difference between the groups. Group I: 718±90 min; Group II: 727±117 min. There was no intergroup difference in sensory and motor onset or in quality of blockade. Conclusion: The addition of clonidine to ropivacaine 0.75% does not lead to any advantage of block of the brachial plexus when compared with pure ropivacaine 0.75%. [source]

Motor block in regional anaesthesia

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 12 2001
apparatus
A device based on a load cell was constructed to measure the strength of foot dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. Performance of the device was evaluated for both movements. The influence of foot position within the device, its use over a 30-min period at 30-s intervals and the effect of the removal and reapplication of the device on measured force of dorsiflexion and plantarflexion was studied in six volunteers. Both dorsiflexion and plantarflexion are suitable movements on which to base a device to quantify the density of motor block during the onset and offset of neuraxial block. Dorsiflexion has a number of advantages: muscle strength is independent of knee position, and therefore a below-knee device can be constructed; strength of dorsiflexion is less affected by the foot position; we found the device easier to apply using dorsiflexion as the heel tended to self-locate; innervation of the muscles responsible for dorsiflexion involves fewer spinal segments. [source]

Femoral nerve block with ropivacaine or bupivacaine in day case anterior crucial ligament reconstruction

Intrathecal sufentanil decreases the median effective dose (ED50) of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine for caesarean delivery

Sensory block without a motor block: ultrasound-guided placement of pain catheters in the forearm

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2010
M. Lurf
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Transient neurological symptoms after spinal anaesthesia with levobupivacaine 5 mg/ml or lidocaine 20 mg/ml

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2010
M. GOZDEMIR
Background: Transient neurological symptoms (TNS) after spinal anaesthesia have been reported most commonly in association with lidocaine, but have been observed with other local anaesthetics. The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind study was to investigate the incidence of TNS after spinal anaesthesia with either levobupivacaine or lidocaine. Methods: Patients undergoing inguinal hernia, appendectomy, varicose vein or minor orthopaedic operations were included in the study (60 patients; 47 male, 13 female, overall mean age 30 years). All patients had an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of I or II. The patients were randomly assigned to receive spinal anaesthesia with either 20 mg isobaric levobupivacaine (5 mg/ml) or 80 mg isobaric lidocaine (20 mg/ml). Onset of sensory and motor block and side effects were recorded. On post-operative days 1, 2, and 3, patients were interviewed by an investigator blinded to the spinal anaesthetic used. The patients were classified as having TNS if, following recovery from anaesthesia, there was pain in the buttocks, thighs and/or lower limbs. Results: In the levobupivacaine group, one patient (3.33%) experienced TNS, whereas in the lidocaine group, eight (26.6%) experienced TNS (P=0.002). Maximum times to arrival of sensory blocks were shorter with lidocaine (P<0.001). The levobupivacaine and lidocaine groups did not differ significantly in terms of the highest dermatome included in sensory block or motor block grade. Conclusion: After spinal anaesthesia with levobupivacaine, the incidence of TNS was much less than after lidocaine. However, it appears that TNS may occur in association with levobupivacaine. [source]

Perineural meperidine blocks nerve conduction in a dose-related manner: a randomized double-blind study

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2009
E. ÖZTÜRK
Background: Meperidine has been shown to exhibit a sensory block in peripheral nerves. However, its motor blockade ability is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate, electroneurographically, the ability of meperidine to inhibit conduction in both sensory and motor fibres in the ulnar nerve. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in a double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion. Eighteen healthy volunteers were randomized into three groups (Saline, meperidine 1% and meperidine 2%). Three millilitre of the study solution was administered to the ulnar nerve perineurally at the level of the wrist by the guidance of a nerve stimulator. Sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) and compound motor action potential (CMAP) amplitudes were recorded. At least a 20% decrease in the initial response amplitude was accepted as a block. Results: The number of individuals with sensory and motor block with saline, meperidine 1% and meperidine 2% were 0/6, 6/6, 6/6 and 0/6, 5/6, 6/6, respectively (P<0.05). The maximum decrease in the median SNAP and CMAP amplitude values were 4.7% and 8.3% with saline; 38.5% and 46.4% with meperidine 1%; and 100% and 97.8% with meperidine 2%, respectively (P<0.05). Median values for the duration of sensory and motor block with meperidine 1% and meperidine 2% were 45, 52.5 and 30, 32.5 min, respectively. Conclusion: Meperidine blocks sensory and motor nerve conduction in a dose-related manner. [source]

Comparison of intrathecal magnesium, fentanyl, or placebo combined with bupivacaine 0.5% for parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2009
H. UNLUGENC
Background: Intrathecal (i.t.) administration of magnesium has been reported to potentiate opioid antinociception in rats and humans. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, study, we investigated the sensory, motor, and analgesic block characteristics of i.t. magnesium 50 mg compared with fentanyl 25 ,g and saline when added to 0.5% bupivacaine (10 mg). Methods: Ninety ASA I or II adult patients undergoing cesarean section were randomly allocated to receive 1.0 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride in group S, 50 mg of magnesium sulfate (1.0 ml) 5% in group M, or 25 ,g of fentanyl (1.0 ml) in group F following 10 mg of bupivacaine 0.5% i.t. We recorded the following: onset and duration of sensory and motor block, maximal sensory block height, the time to reach the maximal dermatomal level of sensory block, and the duration of spinal anesthesia. Results: Magnesium did not shorten the onset time of sensory and motor blockade or prolong the duration of spinal anesthesia. The duration of sensory (P<0.032) and motor (P<0.002) blockade was significantly shorter in M and S groups than in the F group. The time to reach the maximal dermatomal level of sensory block was significantly shorter in the F group than in the S and M groups (P<0.002). Conclusion: In patients undergoing cesarean section with spinal anesthesia, the addition of magnesium sulfate (50 mg) i.t. to 10 mg of spinal bupivacaine (0.5%) did not shorten the onset time of sensory and motor blockade or prolong the duration of spinal anesthesia, as seen with fentanyl. [source]

Spinal 2-chloroprocaine: effective dose for ambulatory surgery

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2008
A. SELL
Background: There is an interest in finding a safe, short-acting spinal anaesthetic, suitable for ambulatory surgery. In this prospective study, we evaluated the effective dose of plain 2-chloroprocaine (2-CP) for lower limb surgery, including knee arthroscopy and saphenectomy. Methods: Sixty-four ASA physical status I,III patients undergoing elective lower limb surgery were randomly allocated to one of the four local anaesthetic groups for spinal anaesthesia in a double-blind manner. The patients (n=16 patients in each group) received 35, 40, 45 or 50 mg of 10 mg/ml isobaric 2-CP. Results: In all patients, anaesthesia was sufficient for the planned surgery. The median peak block height (T9) was similar in all four groups (P=0.66). Time to complete sensory block regression was faster in the 35 mg group (111 min, mean) and in the 40 mg group (108 min) than in the 50 mg group (134 min, P=0.005). No differences in time to complete motor block regression were observed (P=0.3). Home discharge time was faster in the 35 mg group (123 min) and in the 40 mg group (122 min) than in the 50 mg group (165 min, P=0.001). No complications related to spinal anaesthesia were observed and no transient neurologic symptoms (TNS) were reported at the 3-day follow-up. Conclusion: Spinal 2-CP, 10 mg/ml 35, 40, 45 and 50 mg provide reliable sensory and motor block for ambulatory surgery, while reducing the dose of 2-CP to 35 and 40 mg resulted in a spinal block of faster ambulation. [source]

The effect of adding intrathecal magnesium sulphate to bupivacaine,fentanyl spinal anaesthesia

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 10 2005
M. Özalevli
Background:, The addition of intrathecal (IT) magnesium to spinal fentanyl prolongs the duration of spinal analgesia for vaginal delivery. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study, we investigated the effect of adding IT magnesium sulphate to bupivacaine,fentanyl spinal anaesthesia. Methods:, One hundred and two ASA I or II adult patients undergoing lower extremity surgery were recruited. They were randomly allocated to receive 1.0 ml of preservative-free 0.9% sodium chloride (group S) or 50 mg of magnesium sulphate 5% (1.0 ml) (group M) following 10 mg of bupivacaine 0.5% plus 25 µg of fentanyl intrathecally. We recorded the following: onset and duration of sensory block, the highest level of sensory block, the time to reach the highest dermatomal level of sensory block and to complete motor block recovery and the duration of spinal anaesthesia. Results:, Magnesium caused a delay in the onset of both sensory and motor blockade. The highest level of sensory block was significantly lower in group M than in group S at 5, 10 and 15 min (P < 0.001). The median time to reach the highest dermatomal level of sensory block was 17 min in group M and 13 min in group S (P < 0.05). The mean degree of motor block was also lower in group M at 5, 10 and 15 min (P < 0.001). The median duration of spinal anaesthesia was longer in group M (P < 0.001). Conclusion:, In patients undergoing lower extremity surgery, the addition of IT magnesium sulphate (50 mg) to spinal anaesthesia induced by bupivacaine and fentanyl significantly delayed the onset of both sensory and motor blockade, but also prolonged the period of anaesthesia without additional side-effects. [source]

Feasibility of electromyography (sEMG) in measuring muscular activity during spinal anaesthesia in patients undergoing knee arthroplasty

The effects of clonidine on ropivacaine 0.75% in axillary perivascular brachial plexus block

Does epidural analgesia delay the diagnosis of lower limb compartment syndrome in children?

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 2 2009
DOUG J.G. JOHNSON MBChB MRCP FRCA
Summary One of the cardinal symptoms of compartment syndrome is pain. A literature review was undertaken in order to assess the association of epidural analgesia and compartment syndrome in children, whether epidural analgesia delays the diagnosis, and to identify patients who might be at risk. Evidence was sought to offer recommendations in the use of epidural analgesia in patients at risk of developing compartment syndrome of the lower limb. Increasing analgesic use, increasing/breakthrough pain and pain remote to the surgical site were identified as important early warning signs of impending compartment syndrome in the lower limb of a child with a working epidural. The presence of any should trigger immediate examination of the painful site, and active management of the situation (we have proposed one clinical pathway). Avoidance of dense sensory or motor block and unnecessary sensory blockade of areas remote to the surgical site allows full assessment of the child and may prevent any delay in diagnosis of compartment syndrome. Focusing on excluding the diagnosis of compartment syndrome rather than failure of analgesic modality is vital. In the pediatric cases reviewed there was no clear evidence that the presence of an epidural had delayed the diagnosis. [source]

The effects of intrathecal levobupivacaine and bupivacaine in the elderly

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 9 2009
F. Erdil
Summary The objective of this study was to compare the block durations and haemodynamic effects associated with intrathecal levobupivacaine or bupivacaine in elderly patients undergoing transurethral prostate surgery. Eighty patients were prospectively randomised to receive plain 1.5 ml levobupivacaine 0.5% (group levobupivacaine) or 1.5 ml plain bupivacaine 0.5% (group bupivacaine) in combination with fentanyl 0.3 ml (15 ,g) for spinal anaesthesia. The time to reach T10 and peak sensory block level, and to maximum motor block were significantly shorter in group bupivacaine compared to group levobupivacaine (p < 0.05). Peak sensory block level was also significantly higher in group bupivacaine. In group bupivacaine, mean arterial pressure was significantly lower than group levobupivacaine, starting from 10 min until 30 min after injection (p < 0.05). Hypotension and nausea were less common in group levobupivacaine than group bupivacaine (p < 0.05). Because of the better haemodynamic stability and fewer side-effects associated with levobupivacaine, it may be preferred for spinal anaesthesia in elderly patients. [source]

Effect of epidural saline washout on regression of sensory and motor block after epidural anaesthesia with 2% lidocaine and fentanyl in elderly patients

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 3 2009
E. Y. Park
Summary Seventy elderly males received lumbar epidural anaesthesia with 12 ml of 2% lidocaine containing fentanyl 50 ,g. At the end of transurethral surgery, the washout group (n = 33) received an epidural bolus of 30 ml saline while the control group (n = 34) did not. Mean (SD) times to 1-grade (17.2 (11.9) vs 32.7 (11.3) min) and 2-grade regression (23.8 (12.2) vs 56.0 (23.9) min) of motor block, 3-dermatomal sensory regression (31.4 (11.6) vs 42.2 (14.4) min for cold and 30.8 (15.6) vs 40.6 (14.2) min for pinprick), and regression to S1 (57.7 (16.1) vs 76.2 (20.2) min for cold and 56.8 (17.3) vs 69.2 (16.2) min for pinprick) were significantly shorter in the washout group than the control group. There were no differences in postoperative pain scores and side effects between the two groups. We concluded that epidural washout facilitates regression of both motor and sensory block following epidural anaesthesia without reducing the postoperative analgesic benefit. [source]

Motor block in regional anaesthesia

COMBINED SPINAL AND EPIDURAL ANAESTHESIA WITH CHLOROPROCAINE FOR HYSTERECTOMY

CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2008
Run-Qiao Fu
SUMMARY 1The aim of the present study was to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of chloroprocaine (CP) for gynaecological surgery. 2One hundred and twenty gynaecological patients scheduled for hysterectomy were divided randomly into four groups: Group A (n = 30), 2.5% CP 1.0 mL; Group B (n = 30), 2.5% CP 1.2 mL; Group C (n = 30), 2.5% CP 1.4 mL; and Group D (n = 30), 2.5% CP 1.6 mL. The dose of CP used in each group was mixed with 1 mL vehicle containing 5% glucose and 1.5% ephedrine. Spinal anaesthesia was achieved by lumbar puncture in the L2,3 interspace and injection of the mixture. Wherever necessary, CP (2.5%) was used for epidural anaesthesia. 3Although the times to onset and peak effect, as well as the grade of motor block of the lower limbs (Bromage scale), were similar among the four groups, the level of the highest sensory nerve block increased gradually, from T7 (± 1), T6 (± 1), T4 (± 1) to T3 (± 1) in Groups A, B, C and D, respectively. The rate of unsatisfactory spinal anaesthesia was 80 and 16.7% in Groups A and B, respectively, and consequently epidural anaesthesia was superimposed in those patients for surgery to start. Spinal anaesthesia was very satisfactory for surgery in Groups C and D. In contrast, the incidence of hypotension in Groups B, C and D was 6.7, 16.7 and 67.7%, respectively; however, respiratory depression only occurred in Group D in nine cases (30%). No other adverse events or neurologic deficits were found. 4The present results suggest that 30,35 mg CP in a total volume of 2.2,2.4 mL used for spinal anaesthesia in hysterectomy is safe and efficient. The combination of spinal and epidural anaesthesia with 2.5% CP can achieve 100% satisfactory anaesthesia for this type of surgery. [source]

Single vs. double stimulation during a lateral sagittal infraclavicular block

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 10 2009
E. AKY
Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of single vs. dual control during an ultrasound-guided lateral sagittal infraclavicular block on the efficacy of sensory block and the time of block onset. Methods: In a prospective manner, 60 adult patients scheduled for distal upper limb surgery were randomly allocated to single (Group S) or double stimulation (Group D) groups. A local anesthetic (LA) mixture of 20 ml of levobupivacaine 5 mg/ml and 20 ml of lidocaine 20 mg/ml with 5 ,g/ml epinephrine (total 40 ml) was administered in both groups. In the Group S following a median, an ulnar or a radial nerve response, the entire LA was administered at a single site. In Group D 10 ml of LA was administered following the electrolocation of the musculocutaneous nerve and 30 ml LA was injected following median, ulnar or radial nerves. A successful block was defined as analgesia or anesthesia of all five nerves distal to the elbow. Sensory and motor blocks were tested at 5-min intervals for 30 min. Results: The block was successful in 27 patients in Group S and 28 patients in Group D. The time from starting the block until satisfactory anesthesia was significantly shorter in Group D than in Group S (19.3 vs. 23.2 min) (P<0.05). Total sensory scores were significantly higher in the double stimulation group at 20 and 30 min after the block performance (P<0.05). Conclusions: Although the block performance time was longer in the double stimulation group, block onset time and extent of anesthesia were more favorable in the double stimulation group. [source]

Ultrasound vs nerve stimulation multiple injection technique for posterior popliteal sciatic nerve block

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 6 2009
G. Danelli
Summary In this prospective, randomised, observer-blinded study we evaluated whether ultrasound guidance can shorten the onset time of popliteal sciatic nerve block as compared to nerve stimulation with a multiple injection technique. Forty-four ASA I,III patients undergoing posterior popliteal sciatic nerve block with 20 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine were randomly allocated to nerve stimulation or ultrasound guided nerve block. A blinded observer recorded onset of sensory and motor blocks, success rates, the need for fentanyl intra-operatively, the requirement for general anaesthesia, procedure-related pain, patient satisfaction and side-effects. Onset times for sensory and motor blocks were comparable. The success rate was 100% for ultrasound guided vs 82% for nerve stimulation (p = 0.116). Ultrasound guidance reduced needle redirections (p = 0.01), were associated with less procedural pain (p = 0.002) and required less time to perform (p = 0.002). Ultrasound guidance reduced the time needed for block performance and procedural pain. [source]