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
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.
• 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