Preop US-Guided Nerve Blocks for Pain & Recovery After Ankle Arthroscopy
Effects of Preoperative Ultrasound-Guided Popliteal Sciatic and Saphenous Nerve Blocks on Early Pain and Functional Recovery After Ankle Arthroscopy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial
Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University
70 participants
Jan 30, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This randomized, double-blind controlled trial investigates the effectiveness and potential trade-offs of preoperative ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic and saphenous nerve blocks in patients undergoing ankle arthroscopy, a procedure often performed in day-case settings but associated with significant early postoperative pain and frequent opioid use. The study evaluates whether these nerve blocks can reduce early postoperative pain-measured by the highest NRS score within 24 hours-and examines their impact on functional recovery, including motor strength and ambulation. All patients receive standardized general anesthesia and multimodal analgesia, with outcomes including opioid consumption, ankle weakness, patient satisfaction, range of motion, muscle strength, hospital stay duration, and analgesia-related costs.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria6
- Age between 18 and 65 years
- ASA physical status classification I-II
- Scheduled to undergo ankle arthroscopy under general anesthesia
- Expected to be available for follow-up on the day of surgery (day-case or short-stay surgery)
- Able to understand the procedures and methods of the clinical trial and voluntarily provide written informed consent
- Body mass index (BMI) between 16 and 32 kg/m²
Exclusion Criteria8
- History of severe ankle nerve injury or peripheral neuropathy
- Severe cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, or renal dysfunction
- Chronic pain or regular use of opioid analgesics for more than 3 months
- History of extensive ankle or lower leg surgery that may affect nerve localization
- Psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairment that preclude accurate NRS pain scoring
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Known allergy or contraindication to any of the study drugs
- Any other condition deemed unsuitable for inclusion by the investigators
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Interventions
Ultrasound-guided sciatic (20 mL) and saphenous (10 mL) nerve blocks using 0.25% ropivacaine were administered in the prone position before induction. Block success was confirmed via ultrasound (circumferential spread) and sensory loss in relevant ankle dermatomes.
The control group underwent the same procedure, with an equivalent volume of 0.9% normal saline injected instead of local anesthetic.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT07470021