Comparison of the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided and ultrasound-guided subgluteal nerve blocks with peripheral nerve electrical stimulation: A randomized controlled feasibility trial

Abstract

AIM: The efficacy of sciatic nerve blockade with subchondral access under ultrasound guidance (USG) versus ultrasound guidance in combination with EPN (USEPN) is unknown. Data on studies of these techniques for blockade of other peripheral nerves are inconsistent. This study evaluated the feasibility of a randomized trial to compare the efficacy of sciatic nerve blockade with USG-guided sciatic access with the current practice of USEPN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients were randomized into two groups in which USG or USEPN guidance was used to perform sciatic nerve blockade with sciatic access. The primary endpoint was the quality of the sensory block. The secondary endpoint was the quality of the motor block. RESULTS: Two groups of 20 patients each were analyzed. All patients developed successful motor and sensory blocks of the sciatic nerve when using USG and USEPN. All cases were followed. Three patients were excluded before randomization because of the unsatisfactory ultrasound imaging of the sciatic nerve. CONCLUSION: The results show that a prospective study of alternative techniques of sciatic nerve block by subchondral access is possible. In our pilot study, sciatic nerve block performed under USG guidance without EPN was effective in all cases.