The study will investigate the difference in success rate between popliteal peripheral nerve catheters placed at 1 centimeter compared to 5 centimeters past the tip of a Tuohy needle.
Traditionally for the lower extremity, peripheral nerve catheters have been threaded greater than or equal to 5 centimeters past the tip of the Tuohy needle. The major rational for this practice is to reduce dislodgement. However, the greater the distance that a catheter is advanced, the greater the risk of contacting undesired structures, kinking, looping and knotting. For the continuous popliteal nerve block, the catheter is threaded perpendicular to the course of the nerve. This could result in the tip of the catheter being a significant distance from the targeted nerve which may lead to a decrease in the success rate or efficacy of the block. Greater efficacy may be seen if the needle is closer to its target. This may be quantified by documenting a faster onset of motor and sensory changes and/or a lower catheter infusion rate required to maintain pain control. The study will investigate the difference in success rate between popliteal peripheral nerve catheters placed at 1 centimeter compared to 5 centimeters past the tip of a Tuohy needle.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
83
A Tuohy needle will be advanced in-plane with the bevel cephalad to a point that lies between the tibial and common peroneal branches of the sciatic nerve. The catheter will be advanced 1 cm past the tip of the Tuohy
A Tuohy needle will be advanced in-plane with the bevel cephalad to a point that lies between the tibial and common peroneal branches of the sciatic nerve. The catheter will be advanced 5 cm past the tip of the Tuohy
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Change in Peripheral block score (PBS).
The extent of popliteal nerve blockade will be captured with four sensory groups (sural, superficial peroneal, tibial, and deep peroneal) and three motor groups (superficial peroneal, tibial, and deep peroneal). For each group, a score of 0, 1, or 2 will be assigned based on complete, partial, or no blockade, respectively. The peripheral block score (PBS) outcome variable will be based on the sum of these values and will range from 0 to 14.
Time frame: 10, 20, and 30 minutes after intervention
Pain score
The investigators will examine the difference in the pain scores (0-10 numeric rating scale) between the two groups.
Time frame: Arrival to PACU (Immediately after surgery, approximately 3-5 hours after intervention)
Analgesia failure rate
The investigators will examine the difference in analgesia failure rates in the PACU. Analgesia failure is defined as the failure of a rescue bolus (to treat patient pain).
Time frame: Arrival to PACU (Immediately after surgery, approximately 3-5 hours after intervention)
Catheter dislodgement rates
The investigators will examine the difference in the catheter dislodgement rates.
Time frame: Arrival to PACU (Immediately after surgery, approximately 3-5 hours after intervention)
Difference in total opioid usage
The investigators will examine the difference in the total opioid usage. We will compare medications separately and in total equivalent units (using an opioid conversion table).
Time frame: Length of Stay In PACU (Approximately 5-7 hours after intervention)
Degree of Doppler color agitation
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The investigators will examine the relationship between the degree of Doppler color agitation (evaluated at the time the catheter is placed) and block success (i.e., the outcome in the primary analysis). Degree of agitation color will be defined as the percentage of nerve covered during the color agitation.
Time frame: Immediately after intervention