Preop US-Guided Nerve Blocks for Pain & Recovery After Ankle Arthroscopy

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.