Sciatic nerve block in the popliteal fossa with atraumatic needles and nerve stimulation.

Seventy-three popliteal sciatic nerve blocks were performed with the help of a nerve stimulator and teflon-sheathed needles in order to assess the usefulness and the reliability of the method in orthopaedic surgery. After a careful description of the technique, the results and complications are presented: successful blocks = 89%; supplementary local anesthesia = 5.5%; general anesthesia = 5.5%. The indications, the results and the technique of the popliteal sciatic nerve block are discussed. The benefits brought by the use of atraumatic needles and nerve stimulators in regional anesthesia are outlined.