Peripheral nerve blocks are increasingly used for a wide range of surgical procedures involving the lower limb. A number of techniques can be used to provide anaesthesia and highly effective postoperative analgesia – in particular following lower limb arthroplasty – that may result in improved functional recovery and shorter in-patient stay. Ultrasound-guided nerve localization offers several potential advantages when performing femoral, popliteal and distal sciatic nerve block; however, neurostimulation remains a useful and widely used aid to lower limb regional anaesthesia practice.
Calum RK Grant FRCA is a Consultant Anaesthetist at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee. He trained in Anaesthesia in Glasgow, Dundee and Auckland, New Zealand with an interest in regional anaesthesia and acute pain management. Conflicts of interest: none declared
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