RT Journal
A1 Jameson, Simon S.
A1 Kumar, C. Senthil
T1 The Efficacy of Combined Popliteal and Ankle Blocks in Forefoot Surgery
JF The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
JO The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
YR 2009
FD February 1
VO 91
IS 2
SP 486
OP 487
DO 
UL http://dx.doi.org/
AB 
The benefits of regional blockage for patients undergoing peripheral surgery are well known1,2. However, extensive, prolonged blockade could potentially delay discharge. The difference in pain scores between the two groups, although significant, was marginal (1.5 compared with 2.4 of 10) at the time of discharge, and all patients described only mild pain. In addition, no statistical analysis was performed on the satisfaction scores or the postoperative analgesic requirement. The authors also fail to describe the number of operations performed as day cases and how many required an overnight stay. This information would have been useful, given the financial implications. Moreover, it is also entirely predictable that a more proximal block, together with a higher volume of local anesthetic, will provide better pain relief.