The ankle block: anatomical review and anesthetic technique.

The ankle block is a safe and effective means of providing sensory anesthesia to the foot. The nerve supply to the foot at the level of the ankle is relatively superficial and consists of five nerve branches. The posterior tibial, which supplies the plantar aspect of the foot; the saphenous, supplying the medial portion of the foot; the deep peroneal, supplying an area between the great and second toes; the superficial peroneal, two branches supplying the majority of the dorsum of the foot; and the sural nerve, which supplies the lateral aspect of the foot. Using a small amount of local anesthesia, these nerves can be effectively anesthetized to prepare areas of the foot for surgical intervention.