Summary
In this study, the utility of a pocket-sized ultrasound machine equipped with a linear transducer for popliteal sciatic nerve block in patients with lower limb trauma was investigated. Fifteen patients with major foot, ankle, and tibia/fibula fractures were enrolled, and experienced staff anesthetists conducted the procedures.
The pocket-sized ultrasound machine was used to identify the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa, and a standardized local anesthetic mixture was administered. The study assessed the success of the sensory block at 5-minute intervals for the first 20 minutes, considering a total score of three out of four as a successful sensory block.
The results suggest the feasibility and effectiveness of using a pocket-sized ultrasound machine for popliteal sciatic nerve blocks in patients with lower limb trauma.
