A new formula of age-related anatomical landmarks for blockade of the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa in children using the posterior approach.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anatomical landmarks for sciatic nerve blockade are poorly described in children. In adults, the site of puncture of the high approach is located at least 10 cm above the popliteal skin crease. METHODS: We hypothesized that correcting the adult landmarks (10 cm) by the ratio of the calculated child femoral shaft length over the adult femoral shaft length would provide adequate landmarks for needle introduction for popliteal nerve block in children. RESULTS: The theoretical landmarks were calculated and tested in 21 infants and children. In all cases, the sciatic nerve was easily located using the nerve stimulator when the needle was inserted at the calculated place and 29 catheters were successfully placed in these 21 children. CONCLUSION: These simple landmarks adapted to children age are expected to help the clinicians to perform safely sciatic blocks at the popliteal fossa in young patients.