Sciatic Nerve Block (Posterior Approach, Electric Stimulation)
Overview
This procedure is an injection of anesthesia (or an anesthetic/steroid mixture) around the sciatic nerve. It can be used to block the pain of surgery on the knee, leg ankle or foot, or it can be used to manage the pain of chronic issues in the lower extremity.
Preparation
In preparation for the procedure, the patient is positioned to expose the buttock. The physician presses against the skin of the gluteal region to feel for bony landmarks of the femur and hip. These landmarks help determine the precise entry point for the needle. The tissue at the entry point is numbed with an injection of local anesthesia.
Needle Placement
The physician will use a needle attached to both a syringe and an electric nerve stimulator. The nerve stimulator will ensure correct placement of the needle tip. The needle is carefully advanced through the numbed skin down to the sciatic nerve. The nerve stimulator is activated to administer weak electric pulses to the patient. These pulses may cause twitches in the muscles of the gluteus region, the leg and the foot. Twitches of the hamstring confirm that the needle is placed correctly.
Injection
The physician injects the anesthetic (or anesthetic/steroid mixture) through the needle. The medication bathes the main trunk of the sciatic nerve, temporarily blocking sensation in the leg or relieving chronic pain and inflammation.
End of Procedure
When the injection is complete, the needle is carefully removed and a small bandage is placed over the injection site. The duration of the injection varies depending on the type of medication administered and the goal of the procedure.
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.