Can peripheral nerve blocks contribute to heel ulcers following total knee replacement?


Published online: Oct 27 2004

Sunil Apsingi, and Chakravarthy U Dussa.

Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, UK.

Abstract

Peripheral nerve blocks are widely used for postoperative analgesia following total knee replacement. We would like to present three cases of heel ulcers encountered following a peripheral nerve block for knee replacement surgery. Postoperative heel ulcers have resulted in delayed rehabilitation in all three patients. Attention needs to be given to the pressure points in the foot after the nerve blocks. Awareness of this uncommon complication is necessary to prevent its occurrence.

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