The popliteal block is one of the most valuable lower extremity nerve blocks. It is often the best choice for anesthesia and/or analgesia for patients having foot and ankle surgery, below-knee amputation, and Achilles tendon surgery. In this video, Dr. Hadzic talks about several tips related to the technique, which are essential for block success. The success of this block depends on the spread of the local anesthetic within the sheath of the sciatic nerve (Vloka’s sheet).

Dr. Hadzic demonstrates monitoring of the spread of the local anesthetic a few centimeters proximal to the injection while observing on ultrasound continuous distention of the sheath around the tibial and common peroneal nerves. You can read more about the technique here.