Comparison of ropivacaine 0.5% and ropivacaine 0.75% in proximal popliteal sciatic block for foot surgeries

Background

Proximal popliteal sciatic nerve block is widely used for foot surgery to provide effective perioperative analgesia and reduce postoperative opioid requirements. The concentration of ropivacaine may influence block onset, duration, motor recovery, and postoperative analgesia. This study compared 0.5% and 0.75% ropivacaine for proximal popliteal sciatic nerve block in patients undergoing foot surgery. Materials and Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blind comparative interventional study included 50 adult patients undergoing elective foot surgery. Participants were randomly allocated into two equal groups: Group A received 0.5% ropivacaine and Group B received 0.75% ropivacaine. Sensory and motor block characteristics, duration of postoperative analgesia, pain scores, time to first rescue analgesic, rescue analgesic consumption, and patient satisfaction were assessed.