The Common Peroneal (High Fibular) Nerve Block

Abstract

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: The bifurcation of the sciatic nerve results in the common peroneal nerve, along with the tibial nerve. A commonly block used before foot and ankle surgery is the sciatic block. This block requires an ultrasound or neurostimulation for accurate placement and can take time to administer effectively. We believe that the common peroneal, or high fibular nerve block, may be equivalent in some clinical circumstances to the sciatic block and does not require additional imaging for accurate placement. Methods: In this study, a mixture comprised of 5 mL 0.5% bupivacaine and 5 mL 1% lidocaine was used for each patient. Certain surface anatomic landmarks were used to place the block without ultrasound or neurostimulation. The time spent administering the block was recorded. Patients were not given pain medicines in the recovery unit unless the block did not work. A follow-up questionnaire was completed within 24 hours following surgery, and this was used to assess aspects of the patient’s post-operative experience. These include the number of hours following surgery that the patient: 1) first felt pain, 2) first took pain medication, 3) first felt tingling, 4) fully regained feeling in his/her leg, and 5) could wiggle his/her toes. Also, any complications were recorded. Results: This study involved 21 patients with an average age of 51. The most common procedures used with the block were hardware removal of the fibula and open reduction internal fixation of the fibula. The block took on average less than 3 minutes to administer and ultrasound was not used in any cases. No patients were given pain medicines in the recovery unit. None of the patients reported any complications, specifically, there were no cases of foot drop or any persistent paresthesias. The average time it took for patients to first feel pain after the block was approximately 8 hours. On average, patients first took pain medication approximately 11 hours after surgery, and regained sensation in their leg 15 hours after surgery. Conclusion: The benefits of the common peroneal block are multifold, as their clinical outcomes were positive and patients did not experience any complications. Also, from a surgeon perspective, the block is quick to administer and does not require ultrasound or neurostimulation.