An Evaluation of Peripheral Sciatic Nerve Block in Patients Undergoing Hallux Valgus Surgery

Background: This study aims to evaluate the use of popliteal sciatic nerve block (PSNB) on pain and functional outcome following hallux valgus (HV) surgery. Materials and methods: This retrospective review of 100 patients who underwent surgery by a single surgeon for symptomatic HV was categorized i...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bryan Loh, Akshay Padki, Szeying Thong, Nicholas EM Yeo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publisher 2022-07-01
Series:Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery (Asia Pacific)
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Online Access:https://www.jfasap.com/doi/JFASAP/pdf/10.5005/jp-journals-10040-1185
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Summary:Background: This study aims to evaluate the use of popliteal sciatic nerve block (PSNB) on pain and functional outcome following hallux valgus (HV) surgery. Materials and methods: This retrospective review of 100 patients who underwent surgery by a single surgeon for symptomatic HV was categorized into two groups: 50 who received general anesthesia (GA) while the other 50 received an ultrasound-guided PSNB. The following outcome measures were then collected: visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), and RAND 36-Item Health Survey scores. Results: The 24-hour postoperative VAS score for the PSNB group was significantly lower than the GA group (0.66 vs 1.04, <italic>p</italic> = 0.035). Similarly, the average hourly VAS score in the immediate 6 hours after surgery for the PSNB group was significantly lower than the GA group (0.28 vs 0.49, <italic>p</italic> = 0.001). The VAS score for the PSNB group was significantly lower than the GA group at 6 months postoperatively (1.78 vs 0.50, <italic>p</italic> < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of popliteal sciatic nerve block in hallux valgus surgery significantly reduces postoperative pain up to 6 months postsurgery when compared to general anesthesia alone. Clinical significance: Popliteal sciatic nerve block can improve patients’ postoperative pain and function while reducing the need for oral or intravenous analgesics.
ISSN:2348-280X
2394-7705