A novel approach for anterior sciatic nerve block: cadaveric feasibility study

Background Sciatic nerve block is a commonly used technique for providing anesthesia and analgesia to the lower extremity. It is classically performed through posterior or lateral approaches. However, an anterior approach should be considered in certain conditions where patient positioning would be complicated. The success rate of the sciatic nerve block with previously defined approaches has been reported to be low, however, the complication rate with such approaches has been found to be high. Therefore, we aimed to conduct an anatomical study defining a new anterior approach to block the sciatic nerve and also to examine if the femoral nerve can be blocked via the same approach.