Analgesia below the knee can be achieved by blocking the tibial nerve and the common peroneal nerve in the popliteal fossa, and the saphenous nerve adjacent to the knee. The anatomy and technique of nerve block in the popliteal fossa is described, the nerve being located prior to blockade using a peripheral nerve stimulator. The block as described has been used in children for postoperative analgesia, as a diagnostic block, and as an adjunct to the physiotherapy management of severe equinus deformity after brain injury.
EyresR.L., BishopW., OppenheimR., BrownT.C.K.Plasma bupivacaine concentrations in children during caudal epidural analgesia. Anaesth Intens Care1983; 11: 20–22.
8.
MooreD.C., BalfourR.I., FitzgibbonsD.Convulsive arterial plasma levels of bupivacaine and the response to diazepam therapy. Anesthesiology1979; 50: 454.
9.
KempthorneP.M., RatcliffR.N.Temporary fibial nerve block — adjunct to inhibitory plasters in the physiotherapy management of equinus in severely head-injured children. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy1983; 29: 119.
10.
MontgomeryS.J., Prithvy RajP.I., NettlesD., JenkinsJ.D.The use of the nerve stimulator with standard unsheathed needles in nerve blockade. Anaesth Analg1973; 52: 827–831.
