P Pu ur rp po os se e: : Sciatic nerve blocks through lateral approaches in the popliteal fossa have been proposed. We describe a new medial approach to the sciatic nerve at this level.M Me et th ho od ds s: : After an anatomical study on six cadavers, we performed sciatic nerve blocks on 20 patients. A 100-mm insulated needle and a nerve stimulator were used; 20 mL of lidocaine 1.5% with epinephrine were injected.R Re es su ul lt ts s: : Patients lied in the supine position, the thigh flexed, abducted and rotated externally (30° in all directions). The leg was flexed at 130°. In this position, above the adductor tubercle, a depression known as Jobert's fossa is palpated. Through this groove, a medial approach to the sciatic nerve at the level of the popliteal fossa is possible. The mean distance between the adductor tubercle and the puncture site is 6.18 cm (range 4-8 cm) and the mean distance between the skin and the sciatic nerve is 6.62 cm (range 4-9 cm). Mean time to perform the block was 100 sec (range 55-165 sec). Complete motor blockade was obtained after a mean time of 30 min (range 5-60 min) inside the common peroneal nerve area and 43 min (range 15-75 min) inside the tibial nerve area. Motor block was complete in 17 patients and sensory block in 18 patients. No vessel puncture was observed.

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P Pu ur rp po os se e: : The brachial plexus block through the humeral canal as described by Dupré is indicated in hand and forearm surgery. This block requires a multi-stimulation technique that emphasizes the necessity of a rigorous and safe technique. Nerve injury associated with regional anesthesia can entail significant morbidity for patients. Thus, we investigated the brachial block sequence in terms of unintended nerve stimulation as a surrogate of potential nerve injury.

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