This study is proposed to explore the effect of perineural dexamethasone on the duration of popliteal nerve block for analgesia after ankle surgery.~After ankle or foot arthrodesis patients need a good analgesia. Nevertheless early mobilisation and discharge are important for the healing process after surgery. Peripheral nerve blocks have provided a safe, effective method to control early postoperative pain when symptoms are most severe. Perineural dexamethasone added to local anesthetic prolongs the duration of analgesia of the perineural nerve block.~The perineural use of dexamethasone is still off-label. There is a ongoing discussion of which has better benefits, intravenous or perineural dexamethasone.~There are multiple research where the intravenous and perineural dexamethasone use has compared, but there is still a limited amount of research of low dose perineural dexamethasone versus intravenous dexamethasone.~In this study investigators compare different doses of perineural dexamethasone added to ropivacaine 2 mg/ml 20ml. After arthrodesis under spinal anaesthesia the patients receive popliteal block ropivacaine 2 mg/ml 20 ml and dexamethasone of different doses. Groups 1 to 4 has dexamethasone doses 0, 2mg, 3mg or 4 mg.~After the popliteal nerve block investigators follow postoperative pain, opiate consumption, mobilisation and long term quality of life.~Investigators goal is to find a dexamethasone dose which is as low as possible but at the same time covers the need for a good pain relief and fast recovery postoperatively.
Effect of perineural dexamethasone on the duration of popliteal nerve block after ankle/foot surgery