The popliteal nerve block is a one of many regional anesthesia techniques. It use allows for surgery of the
lower leg, ankle and foot with reduced anesthetic and narcotics use. It is a safe and effective block that
provides both safe and excellent surgical anesthesia and post-operative pain control.
I have performed hundreds of these blocks on my patients and consider it a major factor for my success in
perioperative pain control. Because of my extensive experience with these blocks and because I will be
responsible for your pain control following the surgery I perform these blocks myself.
The medication used in a popliteal nerve block is a local anesthetic. Local anesthetics are the numbing
medications commonly used at the dentist. If you or any family members have had any allergic or adverse
reactions to these medications in the past please tell Dr. Bluman, a member of his staff or a member of the
operating room team.
I will place the popliteal block once you are in the operating room and light general anesthesia or sedation
has been administered. This light anesthetic or sedation will be maintained throughout the case as it allows
for better blood pressure control and more patient comfort. Because you will be anesthetized during the
insertion of the popliteal nerve block its placement will be painless for you.
I will cleanse either the area behind your knee with an antiseptic solution. Next I will slowly insert a short
needle in the vicinity of your nerve. As the needle is advanced a very small amount of electrical current
will be put through the needle to assist in locating the nerves to your lower leg. When the response is
optimal I will inject the long acting Novocain like medicine to numb the lower leg, ankle, and foot.
Because the popliteal block only numbs up approximately the outer 90% of the lower leg, ankle and foot, I
will also do a saphenous nerve block to numb up the remaining inner part of the lower leg, ankle, or foot.
This is a simple under the skin injection near the kneecap or ankle.
After the surgery and transport to the recovery room the sedation or general anesthesia will begin to wear
off. First you will have little or no pain in the ankle or foot and secondly you will be unable to move your
ankle or foot. You will receive pain medicine in the recovery room, if you need it.
The numbness and weakness from the block usually lasts from 6-18 hrs. However do not be alarmed if the
numbness lasts longer than this. As it begins to wear off you should start your pain medicine that was
prescribed by the surgeon.