2024, Vol. 7, Issue 3, Part C

Methods: Data was collected for all patients who received continuous or single-shot popliteal blocks at a single academic medical center. Patients were divided based on type of block and further stratified by surgical procedure (ORIF vs. arthroscopic ankle) for sub-analysis. Collected data included demographics, surgical procedure, postoperative day 1 (POD1) pain levels, postoperative day 7 (POD7) patient satisfaction levels, and use of an additional saphenous nerve block. Patient satisfaction and pain levels were collected via phone call using a 5-item Likert Response Scale and 0-10 Numeric Pain Rating. POD1 pain scores and POD7 patient satisfaction levels were compared between block types using Student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney U test respectively. These scores were also sub-analyzed based on surgery type using the same tests.

Results: There was no significant difference between continuous or single-shot techniques in postoperative pain (1.85 vs 2.19; p = 0.3371) or patient satisfaction (4.943 vs. 4.8; p = 0.2331). Surgery type had no effect on patient-reported pain or satisfaction.

Conclusion: POD1 pain and POD7 patient satisfaction are comparable in continuous and single-shot popliteal blocks; therefore, given the increased risk of continuous blocks, providers should consider using single-shot for analgesia after foot and ankle surgery.