Effect of local anesthetic volume for popliteal plexus block on motor nerve conduction and muscle function in the leg: a randomized clinical trial in healthy volunteers
Authors' conclusion
Increasing the volume of local anesthetic for PPB does not impair muscle function or significantly involve motor nerves, supporting its motor-sparing efficacy.
Study context
- Population
- Healthy volunteersactive and sham block, one in each leg
- Participants
- 40 volunteers
- Comparison
- Popliteal plexus block (PPB) with 10 mL vs 20 mL vs 30 mL of 1% lidocaine
- 10 mLn = 20
- 20 mLn = 20
- 30 mLn = 20
- Femoral nerve blockn = 10reference
- Sciatic nerve blockn = 10reference
- Primary endpoint
- Relative changes in MVIC of ankle plantar- and dorsiflexion
Methodological detailsblinded, healthy volunteers, sham block in contralateral leg
- Blinded
- Healthy volunteers
- Sham block in contralateral leg
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
MVIC (all measures)
- No significant differences in motor function between the three PPB groups for any maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) measures
- p≥0.1
Secondary outcomes
Saphenous nerve involvement — 10 mL vs 30 mL · across the three PPB groups · inconsistent
P = 0.3
Compound muscle action potential changes
- No clinically relevant motor nerve involvement across PPB groups
Original publication
Effect of local anesthetic volume for popliteal plexus block on motor nerve conduction and muscle function in the leg: a randomized clinical trial in healthy volunteers. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published 3 April 2025. doi:10.
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