The ultrasound linear probe is used to identify the nerve, vein and artery structures as well as visualize the needle approach. The needle approach most generally used is lateral to medial. Local anesthetic agent is injected both deep and superficial to surround the popliteal sciatic nerve where the peroneal and tibial components join for the most rapid onset of this block. In most patients, it takes up to 30 minutes for the nerve block to onset.

1. Ultrasound Guided Popliteal Block

2. About Taylor Anesthesia Consultants, LLC:
 Services provided by using the physician/CRNA model
 Our anesthesiologists and CRNAs participated in over 20,000 cases in 2012
 Committed to employing only the highest caliber anesthesia providers to
ensure safe patient care and excellent outcomes.
Our Mission
Taylor Anesthesia Consultants are committed to providing top-quality
anesthesia and perioperative services to the community it serves to ensure
safe and superior results for all patients and healthcare partners.
Our Vision
 Providing the highest quality anesthesia care while maximizing efficiency of
services to our healthcare partners and patients
 Promoting teamwork in all relationships’ between healthcare partners and
consumers
 To become the preferred employer for anesthesia professionals

3. Ultrasound Guided Technique
Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Block
The ultrasound linear probe is used to identify the nerve, vein and artery
structures as well as visualize the needle approach. The needle approach
most generally used is lateral to medial. Local anesthetic agent is injected
both deep and superficial to surround the popliteal sciatic nerve where the
peroneal and tibial components join for the most rapid onset of this block.
In most patients, it takes up to 30 minutes for the nerve block to onset.

4. Popliteal Block for Post-Operative Pain Control
 State of the art ultrasound guided technique utilized
 Method may be used for higher-risk patients
 Prolonged analgesia may last 6 to 20 hours
 Unilateral anesthesia leaves one good contralateral limb and preserves
ipsilateral hamstring function to permit crutch walking
 Allows the use of mid calf pneumatic tourniquet when necessary for
hemostasis
 Minimal use of other pharmacologic agents avoid the complication of
postoperative nausea and vomiting
 Dramatically reduces the risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary
compromise or urinary retention
 Prolonged postoperative analgesia decreases the need for opiods and
the associated side effects
 Less need for anesthetic agents, narcotics and analgesics; thus recovery
time is minimal and allows for earlier discharge
 Reduces after hours patient calls to physician due to uncontrolled pain

5. Exclusion Criteria
 No children – anatomy is immature
 Patients with compromised nerve structure
 Patients with known neuropathic problems