The in-plane approach to block the two branches of the sciatic nerve – the tibial nerve and the peroneal nerve – allows real-time visualisation of the needle tip, the target nerves and the perineural spread of the local anesthetic
It also gives the opportunity to relocate the needle tip, if the spread is not perfect
The real time ultrasound imaging also makes it possible to avoid piercing the peroneal nerve, when the needle is advanced towards the tibial nerve
The image simultaneously displays the target nerve (tibial nerve = T), the needle and needle tip and the peroneal nerve (P) allowing the operator to avoid piercing it when advancing the needle towards the tibial nerve
