The effect of sciatic nerve block on sciatic nerve depth and pain level in patients with ankle fracture based on different approaches under ultrasound guidance.

To investigate the clinical efficacy of using different approach sciatic nerve blocks on the sciatic nerve depth and pain degree in patients with ankle fracture. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 151 patients with ankle fractures who were admitted to the hospital from May 2020 to May 2023. The patients were divided into a control group (n=76) using the greater trochanteric plane approach (GTA) and an observation group (n=75) using the suprapopliteal approach (PA). Perioperative related indexes, pain levels, muscle strength, hemodynamic indexes, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. There was no significant difference in operation time between the two groups. The nerve block operation time and onset time were lower in the observation group, while the maintenance time of nerve block was higher in the observation group(P<0.05). The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 2h, 12h, and 24h postoperatively were lower in the observation group. Muscle strength of the posterior femoral muscle group was significantly better in the observation group at 8h after surgery. Hemodynamic indexes were lower in the observation group at 15minutes and 30minutes after anesthesia. The total incidence of adverse reactions was lower in the observation group compared to the control group. Ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block using the suprapopliteal approach in patients with ankle fractures can help stabilize muscle strength and hemodynamics, alleviate pain symptoms, and avoid motor block and adverse reactions. This approach is recommended for adoption.