Ultrasound examination of the sciatic nerve at two different locations in the lateral thigh: a new approach of identification validated by anatomic preparation

摘要

This study was conducted to investigate a new ultrasound-guided approach for the identification of the sciatic nerve at the lateral thigh using the mini 4-7-MHz curved transducer.After obtaining institutional consent, nine embalmed cadavers (age, 65 ?12 years; weight, 60 ?17 kg; female/male, 3/6) were recruited in this study. With the cadaver in the supine position, ultrasound examination (Sonosite 180Hus, 47-MHz curved probe, Bothell, WA) of the lateral thigh was performed. Nerve identification was attempted at two different anatomic positions: (i) at the lateral thigh, 2 cm behind the sciatic nerve bifurcation (the division of the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa had been identified previously after anatomic preparation at this point); and (ii) at the upper lateral thigh, 2 cm below the lateral part of the gluteal fold.