Postoperative Distal Sciatic Nerve Block

CONSIDERATION FOR USE

A juvenile patient underwent a complex foot osteomy. Postoperative pain management required the administration of a single-injection distal sciatic nerve block. Ultrasound guidance during needle placement was required to ensure a quick, atraumatic puncture. The Infiniti needle guide was selected to assist in aligning the needle and ultrasound beam while allowing freedom to choose the angle of entry.

EQUIPMENT FOR EXAMINATION

SonoSite M-Turbo^® ultrasound system
CIVCO Infiniti needle guide

APPROACH TO EXAMINATION

The sciatic nerve block was performed under sterile ultrasound guidance utilizing a Sonosite M-Turbo ultrasound system and CIVCO's Infiniti needle guide. Localization of the nerve in relation to surrounding anatomy was accomplished. The needle guide enabled visualization of the needle shaft and tip as it advanced in-plane with the ultrasound beam. Once in place, a single-shot of Ropivacaine was injected around the nerve to provide postoperative general anesthesia to distal region of the lower extremity.

The open channel of the needle guide allows flexible entry angle while maintaining position in the scan plane.

Simple detachment of the needle from the transducer for single-shot injection.

Pre-treatment CT scan demonstrates accurate fiducial marker placement.