Popliteal Fossa Block

Overview

This is a pain-blocking injection given behind your knee. We use it to block the pain of surgery on your lower leg, ankle and foot.

Preparation

To begin, the skin and tissue behind your knee are numbed. Then, the doctor uses ultrasound or a nerve stimulator to find your sciatic nerve. Branches of this nerve travel through the leg to your foot.

Injection

The doctor guides a needle to your nerve. Medicine is injected to bathe one or more branches. This blocks sensation. The numbness will last for several hours.

End of procedure

Follow your doctor's instructions to manage pain after your surgery.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.