Efficacy of Femoral-Sciatic Nerve Block in Patients With Head Injury- A Case Series

Introduction: Anaesthesia for Patients with head injuries posted for orthopaedic surgeries is challenging. Though general anaesthesia is preferred over neuraxial blockade it is not devoid of risks. We need to come-up with methods which do not affect the head-injury component any further. Regional anaesthesia like femoral- sciatic nerve block is another option for below knee orthopaedic surgeries and the benefits have been discussed here. Methods: USG guided femoral and sciatic nerve blocks were given to 40 patients undergoing below knee orthopaedic surgeries whose head injuries like EDH,SDH or SAH with GCS 12-15 was being managed conservatively. Regional anaesthetic technique like femoral-sciatic nerve block is a potential anae Results: sthetic technique for such patients considering safety and benefits. The block effect was satisfactory and also hemodynamic fluctuations were minimal which is a matter of concern in head injury patients. The GCS of patients included in the study was unaffected after the procedure. No patient required analgesia supplementation or administration of General Anaesthesia due to block failure or sparing. Conclusion: the study conducted on 40 patients the combined femoral-sciatic nerve block seems to be a good alternative for below knee orthopaedic surgeries. The use of USG makes the procedure even more safer.