Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie 8/2015

01-08-2015 | Reports of Original Investigations

Combined saphenous and sciatic catheters for analgesia after major ankle surgery: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

Authors: Anne K. Fisker, MD, Bo N. Iversen, MD, Steffen Christensen, MD, PhD, Frank Linde, MD, Kristian K. Nielsen, MD, Jens Børglum, MD, PhD, Thomas F. Bendtsen, MD, PhD

Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie | Issue 8/2015

Login to get access

Abstract

Purpose

Continuous sciatic nerve block is used for pain management following major ankle surgery. Pain from the saphenous nerve territory often persists. We conducted a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effect of a supplementary saphenous catheter in the proximal thigh combined with a popliteal sciatic catheter and single-shot saphenous nerve block after major ankle surgery.

Methods

Fifty patients received both sciatic and saphenous continuous catheters inserted along the short axis of the nerves with ultrasound-guidance. All patients had an initial sciatic nerve block followed by a continuous sciatic catheter infusion and an initial saphenous nerve block with ropivacaine. Participants were then randomized to infusion of either ropivacaine or isotonic saline in the saphenous catheter for 48 hr postoperatively. The primary outcome was total intravenous morphine consumption during the first 48 hr postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were clinical analgesia, saphenous analgesia, territory of worst pain, and patient satisfaction.

Results

Forty-four patients were included in the analysis. The mean (SD) 48-hr morphine consumption was 24.7 (21.6) mg in the intervention group and 27.8 (20.1) mg in the placebo group (P = 0.63). The mean difference in 48-hr morphine consumption was 3.0 mg (95% confidence interval, −9.7 to 15.7). There were no differences regarding the secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

A saphenous catheter with a low-dose continuous infusion of ropivacaine, as an adjunct to a sciatic catheter, had no effect on the postoperative analgesia after major ankle surgery when both catheters were inserted along the short axis of the nerves. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01445210).
Literature
1.
go back to reference McGrath B, Elgendy H, Chung F, Kamming D, Curti B, King S. Thirty percent of patients have moderate to severe pain 24 hr after ambulatory surgery: a survey of 5,703 patients. Can J Anesth 2004; 51: 886-91.PubMedCrossRef McGrath B, Elgendy H, Chung F, Kamming D, Curti B, King S. Thirty percent of patients have moderate to severe pain 24 hr after ambulatory surgery: a survey of 5,703 patients. Can J Anesth 2004; 51: 886-91.PubMedCrossRef
2.
go back to reference Sevarino FB, Preble LM. A Manual for Acute Postoperative Pain Management. New York: Raven Press; 1992 . Sevarino FB, Preble LM. A Manual for Acute Postoperative Pain Management. New York: Raven Press; 1992 .
3.
go back to reference Mentzel M, Fleischmann W, Bauer G, Kinzl L. Ankle joint denervation. Part 1: Anatomy - the sensory innervation of the ankle joint. Foot Ankle Surg 1999; 5: 15-20.CrossRef Mentzel M, Fleischmann W, Bauer G, Kinzl L. Ankle joint denervation. Part 1: Anatomy - the sensory innervation of the ankle joint. Foot Ankle Surg 1999; 5: 15-20.CrossRef
4.
go back to reference Marsland D, Dray A, Little NJ, Solan MC. The saphenous nerve in foot and ankle surgery: its variable anatomy and relevance. Foot Ankle Surg 2013; 19: 76-9.PubMedCrossRef Marsland D, Dray A, Little NJ, Solan MC. The saphenous nerve in foot and ankle surgery: its variable anatomy and relevance. Foot Ankle Surg 2013; 19: 76-9.PubMedCrossRef
5.
go back to reference Bendtsen TF, Nielsen TD, Rohde CV, Kibak K, Linde F. Ultrasound guidance improves a continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block when compared with nerve stimulation. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2011; 36: 181-4.PubMedCrossRef Bendtsen TF, Nielsen TD, Rohde CV, Kibak K, Linde F. Ultrasound guidance improves a continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block when compared with nerve stimulation. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2011; 36: 181-4.PubMedCrossRef
6.
go back to reference Chen J, Lesser J, Hadzic A, Resta-Flarer F. The importance of the proximal saphenous nerve block for foot and ankle surgery. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2013; 38: 372.PubMedCrossRef Chen J, Lesser J, Hadzic A, Resta-Flarer F. The importance of the proximal saphenous nerve block for foot and ankle surgery. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2013; 38: 372.PubMedCrossRef
7.
go back to reference Manickam B, Perlas A, Duggan E, Brull R, Chan VW, Ramlogan R. Feasibility and efficacy of ultrasound-guided block of the saphenous nerve in the adductor canal. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2009; 34: 578-80.PubMedCrossRef Manickam B, Perlas A, Duggan E, Brull R, Chan VW, Ramlogan R. Feasibility and efficacy of ultrasound-guided block of the saphenous nerve in the adductor canal. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2009; 34: 578-80.PubMedCrossRef
8.
go back to reference Blumenthal S, Borgeat A, Neudorfer C, Bertolini R, Espinosa N, Aguirre J. Additional femoral catheter in combination with popliteal catheter for analgesia after major ankle surgery. Br J Anaesth 2011; 106: 387-93.PubMedCrossRef Blumenthal S, Borgeat A, Neudorfer C, Bertolini R, Espinosa N, Aguirre J. Additional femoral catheter in combination with popliteal catheter for analgesia after major ankle surgery. Br J Anaesth 2011; 106: 387-93.PubMedCrossRef
9.
go back to reference Jaeger P, Zaric D, Fomsgaard JS, et al. Adductor canal block versus femoral nerve block for analgesia after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, double-blind study. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2013; 38: 526-32.PubMedCrossRef Jaeger P, Zaric D, Fomsgaard JS, et al. Adductor canal block versus femoral nerve block for analgesia after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, double-blind study. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2013; 38: 526-32.PubMedCrossRef
10.
go back to reference Andersen HL, Gyrn J, Moller L, Christensen B, Zaric D. Continuous saphenous nerve block as supplement to single-dose local infiltration analgesia for postoperative pain management after total knee arthroplasty. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2013; 38: 106-11.PubMedCrossRef Andersen HL, Gyrn J, Moller L, Christensen B, Zaric D. Continuous saphenous nerve block as supplement to single-dose local infiltration analgesia for postoperative pain management after total knee arthroplasty. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2013; 38: 106-11.PubMedCrossRef
11.
go back to reference Jenstrup MT, Jaeger P, Lund J, et al. Effects of adductor-canal-blockade on pain and ambulation after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized study. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2012; 56: 357-64.PubMedCrossRef Jenstrup MT, Jaeger P, Lund J, et al. Effects of adductor-canal-blockade on pain and ambulation after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized study. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2012; 56: 357-64.PubMedCrossRef
12.
go back to reference Bendtsen TF, Moriggl B, Chan V, Pedersen EM, Borglum J. Redefining the adductor canal block. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2014; 39: 442-3.PubMedCrossRef Bendtsen TF, Moriggl B, Chan V, Pedersen EM, Borglum J. Redefining the adductor canal block. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2014; 39: 442-3.PubMedCrossRef
13.
go back to reference Horn JL, Pitsch T, Salinas F, Benninger B. Anatomic basis to the ultrasound-guided approach for saphenous nerve blockade. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2009; 34: 486-9.PubMedCrossRef Horn JL, Pitsch T, Salinas F, Benninger B. Anatomic basis to the ultrasound-guided approach for saphenous nerve blockade. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2009; 34: 486-9.PubMedCrossRef
14.
go back to reference Kapoor R, Adhikary SD, Siefring C, McQuillan PM. The saphenous nerve and its relationship to the nerve to the vastus medialis in and around the adductor canal: an anatomical study. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2012; 56: 365-7.PubMedCrossRef Kapoor R, Adhikary SD, Siefring C, McQuillan PM. The saphenous nerve and its relationship to the nerve to the vastus medialis in and around the adductor canal: an anatomical study. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2012; 56: 365-7.PubMedCrossRef
15.
go back to reference Weller RS, Henshaw DS. The use of anatomical position for regional block description. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2014; 39: 263-4.PubMedCrossRef Weller RS, Henshaw DS. The use of anatomical position for regional block description. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2014; 39: 263-4.PubMedCrossRef
17.
go back to reference di Benedetto P, Casati A, Bertini L. Continuous subgluteus sciatic nerve block after orthopedic foot and ankle surgery: comparison of two infusion techniques. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2002; 27: 168-72.PubMedCrossRef di Benedetto P, Casati A, Bertini L. Continuous subgluteus sciatic nerve block after orthopedic foot and ankle surgery: comparison of two infusion techniques. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2002; 27: 168-72.PubMedCrossRef
18.
go back to reference White PF, Issioui T, Skrivanek GD, Early JS, Wakefield C. The use of a continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block after surgery involving the foot and ankle: does it improve the quality of recovery? Anesth Analg 2003; 97: 1303-9.PubMedCrossRef White PF, Issioui T, Skrivanek GD, Early JS, Wakefield C. The use of a continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block after surgery involving the foot and ankle: does it improve the quality of recovery? Anesth Analg 2003; 97: 1303-9.PubMedCrossRef
19.
go back to reference Zaric D, Boysen K, Christiansen J, Haastrup U, Kofoed H, Rawal N. Continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block for outpatient foot surgery-a randomized, controlled trial. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2004; 48: 337-41.PubMedCrossRef Zaric D, Boysen K, Christiansen J, Haastrup U, Kofoed H, Rawal N. Continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block for outpatient foot surgery-a randomized, controlled trial. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2004; 48: 337-41.PubMedCrossRef
20.
go back to reference Singelyn FJ, Aye F, Gouverneur JM. Continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block: an original technique to provide postoperative analgesia after foot surgery. Anesth Analg 1997; 84: 383-6.PubMed Singelyn FJ, Aye F, Gouverneur JM. Continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block: an original technique to provide postoperative analgesia after foot surgery. Anesth Analg 1997; 84: 383-6.PubMed
21.
go back to reference Ilfeld BM, Morey TE, Wang RD, Enneking FK. Continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block for postoperative pain control at home: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Anesthesiology 2002; 97: 959-65.PubMedCrossRef Ilfeld BM, Morey TE, Wang RD, Enneking FK. Continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block for postoperative pain control at home: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Anesthesiology 2002; 97: 959-65.PubMedCrossRef
22.
go back to reference Chelly JE, Greger J, Casati A, Al-Samsam T, McGarvey W, Clanton T. Continuous lateral sciatic blocks for acute postoperative pain management after major ankle and foot surgery. Foot Ankle Int 2002; 23: 749-52.PubMed Chelly JE, Greger J, Casati A, Al-Samsam T, McGarvey W, Clanton T. Continuous lateral sciatic blocks for acute postoperative pain management after major ankle and foot surgery. Foot Ankle Int 2002; 23: 749-52.PubMed
23.
go back to reference Elliot R, Pearce CJ, Seifert C, Calder JD. Continuous infusion versus single bolus popliteal block following major ankle and hindfoot surgery: a prospective, randomized trial. Foot Ankle Int 2010; 31: 1043-7.PubMedCrossRef Elliot R, Pearce CJ, Seifert C, Calder JD. Continuous infusion versus single bolus popliteal block following major ankle and hindfoot surgery: a prospective, randomized trial. Foot Ankle Int 2010; 31: 1043-7.PubMedCrossRef
24.
go back to reference Jaeger P, Grevstad U, Henningsen MH, Gottschau B, Mathiesen O, Dahl JB. Effect of adductor-canal-blockade on established, severe post-operative pain after total knee arthroplasty: a randomised study. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2012; 56: 1013-9.PubMedCrossRef Jaeger P, Grevstad U, Henningsen MH, Gottschau B, Mathiesen O, Dahl JB. Effect of adductor-canal-blockade on established, severe post-operative pain after total knee arthroplasty: a randomised study. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2012; 56: 1013-9.PubMedCrossRef
25.
go back to reference Grevstad U, Mathiesen O, Lind T, Dahl JB. Effect of adductor canal block on pain in patients with severe pain after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized study with individual patient analysis. Br J Anaesth 2014; 112: 912-9.PubMedCrossRef Grevstad U, Mathiesen O, Lind T, Dahl JB. Effect of adductor canal block on pain in patients with severe pain after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized study with individual patient analysis. Br J Anaesth 2014; 112: 912-9.PubMedCrossRef
26.
go back to reference Perlas A, Kirkham KR, Billing R, et al. The impact of analgesic modality on early ambulation following total knee arthroplasty. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2013; 38: 334-9.PubMedCrossRef Perlas A, Kirkham KR, Billing R, et al. The impact of analgesic modality on early ambulation following total knee arthroplasty. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2013; 38: 334-9.PubMedCrossRef
27.
go back to reference Espelund M, Fomsgaard JS, Haraszuk J, Dahl JB, Mathiesen O. The efficacy of adductor canal blockade after minor arthroscopic knee surgery - a randomised controlled trial. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2014; 58: 273-80.PubMedCrossRef Espelund M, Fomsgaard JS, Haraszuk J, Dahl JB, Mathiesen O. The efficacy of adductor canal blockade after minor arthroscopic knee surgery - a randomised controlled trial. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2014; 58: 273-80.PubMedCrossRef
28.
go back to reference Espelund M, Fomsgaard JS, Haraszuk J, Mathiesen O, Dahl JB. Analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided adductor canal blockade after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomised controlled trial. Eur J Anaesthesiol 2013; 30: 422-8.PubMedCrossRef Espelund M, Fomsgaard JS, Haraszuk J, Mathiesen O, Dahl JB. Analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided adductor canal blockade after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomised controlled trial. Eur J Anaesthesiol 2013; 30: 422-8.PubMedCrossRef
29.
go back to reference Hanson NA, Derby RE, Auyong DB, et al. Ultrasound-guided adductor canal block for arthroscopic medial meniscectomy: a randomized, double-blind trial. Can J Anesth 2013; 60: 874-80.PubMedCrossRef Hanson NA, Derby RE, Auyong DB, et al. Ultrasound-guided adductor canal block for arthroscopic medial meniscectomy: a randomized, double-blind trial. Can J Anesth 2013; 60: 874-80.PubMedCrossRef
30.
go back to reference Ehlers L, Jensen JM, Bendtsen TF. Cost-effectiveness of ultrasound vs nerve stimulation guidance for continuous sciatic nerve block. Br J Anaesth 2012; 109: 804-8.PubMedCrossRef Ehlers L, Jensen JM, Bendtsen TF. Cost-effectiveness of ultrasound vs nerve stimulation guidance for continuous sciatic nerve block. Br J Anaesth 2012; 109: 804-8.PubMedCrossRef
Metadata
Title
Combined saphenous and sciatic catheters for analgesia after major ankle surgery: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors
Anne K. Fisker, MD
Bo N. Iversen, MD
Steffen Christensen, MD, PhD
Frank Linde, MD
Kristian K. Nielsen, MD
Jens Børglum, MD, PhD
Thomas F. Bendtsen, MD, PhD
Publication date
01-08-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie / Issue 8/2015
Print ISSN: 0832-610X
Electronic ISSN: 1496-8975
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-015-0379-y

Other articles of this Issue 8/2015

Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie 8/2015 Go to the issue