"High ankle block" for surgery at the ankle joint.

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Regional Anesthesia
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Outpatient ankle surgery is common.
• Classic ankle blocks are often inadequate for ankle region surgery due to distal injection sites.
• A need exists for improved regional anesthesia techniques for ankle procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the efficacy of a "high ankle block" technique.
• To address the limitations of the classic ankle block for ankle surgery.
• To expand the utility of regional anesthesia in outpatient settings.

Main Methods:

• The "high ankle block" involves proximal injection sites, 15 cm above the malleoli.
• Three nerves are accessed via a circumferential subcutaneous wall.
• Ultrasound guidance is used for the Posterior Tibial Nerve and Deep Peroneal Nerve.

Main Results:

• A case series of 3 patients demonstrated the technique's efficacy.
• The "high ankle block" was successfully used as a sole anesthetic method.
• No additional general anesthesia was required in the presented cases.

Conclusions:

• The "high ankle block" is a valuable ultrasound-guided extension of classic regional anesthesia techniques.
• This method expands the operative possibilities for ankle region surgery.
• It offers a promising approach for outpatient ankle procedures.