• A Dabbas Nayef, J C Zuzuárregui Gironés, M C Arnal Bertome, J Silla Criado, S Folgado Valero, and J L García Deltoro.
• Servicio de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Tratamiento del Dolor, Hospital Malvarrosa, C/Isabel de Villena, 2 46021 Valencia.
• Rev Esp Anestesiol Reanim. 2003 Mar 1;50(3):126-9.

ObjectiveTo study the efficacy of a lateral approach in performing a sciatic nerve block at the popliteal fossa using modified anatomical references: the intersection of the groove between the lateral vastus and biceps femoris muscles and the axis of the femur, which passes through the upper vertex of the popliteal fossa.Patients And MethodThe described lateral approach was used in a series of 50 patients scheduled for foot surgery. We located the nerve by stimulation and infused 40 mL of 1.5% mepivacaine. Several technical features, efficacy and complications were analyzed.ResultsThe mean patient age was 55 years, mean weight was 67 +/- 12.6 Kg, and mean height was 159.8 +/- 6.7 cm. Only 1 puncture was necessary in 90% of the cases; 2 punctures were needed in 10%. The point of puncture was proximal to the lateral condyle of the femur at a mean 9.1 +/- 2.1 cm. Depth ranged from 3.8 to 9 cm. The mean latency time to onset of the surgical block was 28.3 +/- 8 minutes. The block was considered excellent in 42 cases and adequate in 6; the technique failed in 2 cases. No major complications were observed.ConclusionsThe proposed approach is easy to implement, involves no remarkable complications, and is particularly useful in patients who have difficulty taking a prone decubitus position.

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