How long does the effect last?

The duration of the foot block depends on the medication administered, individual factors and the dose. Usually the effect lasts for about two hours after the last injection. During the procedure a new dose can be administered if the anesthesia otherwise wears off too early. However, since some patients lose the local anesthetic faster and others much slower, it is not possible to give an exact time. A reference point is always regional anesthetics that have already been administered.

When is a foot block used?

The foot block is particularly suitable for operations and injuries to the forefoot, but can also be used for the entire foot below the upper ankle joint. The further away from the ankle joint, the safer the anesthesia. The foot block is used, for example, for After accidents, a major advantage of the foot block over general anesthesia is that anesthesia planning is faster and, unlike general anesthesia, no sobriety is required.

Amputations
Wound cleaning (debridements) of diabetic feet
Injuries of the toes

For which surgery ́s can the foot block be used?

In principle, almost all foot operations can be performed under regional anesthesia.The foot block is particularly suitable for operations on the forefoot and toes. The operations include: The foot block is excluded if there is inflammation in the puncture area or if the patient has a blood clotting disorder.

Hallux valgus
Hallux Rigidus Corrections
Amputations
Separations of fused toes
Thorn wart removal
And many other operations of the foot

Which drugs are used?

For regional anesthesiological procedures, which includes the foot block, various drugs can be used. The historically most famous narcotic is cocaine. Although cocaine is no longer used in medicine today, today’s local anaesthetics are based on this substance and work through similar mechanisms.

Possible local anaesthetics are procaine, lidocaine, bubivacaine, ropivacaine and prilocaine. The various active ingredients differ in their effectiveness, onset of action, duration of action and controllability and can therefore be specifically selected for each application. In the case of longer and more stressful procedures, the affected person can additionally be given a sedative such as Midazolam.