Reduced opioid use and lower pain scores found with use of dual nerve block

Patients who underwent major foot and ankle surgery experienced a reduced need for opioid analgesics, lower pain scores and higher patient satisfaction with the use of two continuous nerve blocks compared with a continuous popliteal block with a single-injection saphenous block, according to study results.The study, results of which were presented at the Association of American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Annual Meeting, included 60 patients undergoing major foot and ankle procedures assigned to receive either a continuous infusion of Naropin (ropivacaine HCL injection, Fresenius Kabi) via popliteal catheter with single-injection saphenous nerve block (single group) or two continuous infusions of ropivacaine via popliteal and saphenous catheters (dual group) for postoperative pain management. Patient diary and daily phone interviews through postoperative day 3 were used to collect data.