Low volume, high concentration block of the sciatic nerve

Abstract

Sciatic nerve block was performed in two groups of patients using a low power peripheral nerve stimulator to aid nerve location. In group A 1% prilocaine with felypressin was used as the local anaesthetic agent in a volume of 0.25 ml/kg body weight. In group B 3% prilocaine with felypressin was used in a volume of 0.08 ml/kg body weight (i.e. equal total drug dosages). Use of the 3% solution resulted in highly significant reductions in the mean latency for analgesia of the nerve block and in the latency and degree of motor block achieved (p < 0.005 in each case). The clinical value of high concentration, low volume nerve block is discussed. Copyright © 1988, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved