The goal of this feasibility clinical trial is to assess the acceptability of ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block when performed at Emergency Departments for manipulation and temporary stabilization of distal leg and ankle fractures. The trial aims to assess: * The acceptability of sciatic nerve block * The technical feasibility of sciatic nerve block * The technical success of sciatic nerve block * The analgesic efficacy of sciatic nerve block In addition to that, this study aims to * Describe patient-reported and physician-reported satisfaction * Assess the Adverse Event rate at 48 hours post intervention
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Patients will be scanned with the ultrasound machine to determine the technical feasibility of sciatic nerve blocks. If feasible, one of the following techniques will be performed a) popliteal sciatic nerve block, with either lateral or posterior approach; b) CAPS (crosswise approach to popliteal sciatic) block, with either lateral to medial or anterolateral to posteromedial approach; c) subgluteal sciatic nerve block; d) transgluteal sciatic nerve block. In all cases, 20 mL of 2% Lidocaine will be used.
Emergency Department, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo
Pavia, Italy
To assess the technical feasibility of ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block when performed at Emergency Departments for manipulation and temporary stabilization of distal leg and ankle fractures.
Percentage of patients for whom the block is deemed technically feasible by the investigator in charge of this task
Time frame: From patient recruitment until sciatic nerve scanning (an estimated time frame of 30 minutes)
Technical success of US-guided sciatic nerve block
Percentage of patients treated with sciatic nerve block who develop complete or mild- score 0 or 1 - sensory deficit 15 minutes post block
Time frame: 15 Minutes post US-guided sciatic nerve block
Analgesic efficacy of US-guided sciatic nerve block
Percentage of patients manipulated after a successful sciatic nerve block who report Pain Max \< 40 mm
Time frame: An estimated average time of 15 minutes after the beginning of fracture manipulation
Patient-reported and physician-reported satisfaction
Patient's satisfaction and Treating physician's satisfaction assessed with a 5-points Likert scale.
Time frame: An estimated average time of 30 minutes after the beginning of fracture manipulation
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