Tag: Popliteal block

Effective postoperative pain management is crucial for patient recovery after foot and ankle surgery. When considering what drug is in a popliteal block, the selection involves specific local anesthetics and possible additives tailored to the patient and procedure's needs.

As of November 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an expanded label for Exparel, specifically indicating its use for a sciatic nerve block in the popliteal fossa in adults. This makes it a standard, FDA-approved option for regional anesthesia in specific foot and ankle surgeries.

Studies show that popliteal nerve blocks can reduce post-operative opioid consumption by an average of 48% in the first 48 hours after foot and ankle surgery [1.2.2]. So, how long does a nerve block for foot surgery last and what does the process involve?