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A 4-year study of patients with chronic wounds found that limb salvage and healing were better when platelet releasate was combined with comprehensive wound care. The study was retrospective and outcome-based, covering 39 medical centers and 3,830 patients. Two main divisions of patients were made: those receiving comprehensive wound care by itself and those receiving platelet releasate in addition.

Peripheral nerve blocks at the ankle have long been used for foot surgery. However, when local foot and ankle blocks are inappropriate or contraindicated, general and spinal anesthesia are the common alternatives. Both have disadvantages and require added equipment and monitors. Combined popliteal and saphenous nerve blocks at the knee can offer a desirable alternative to general and spinal anesthesia for foot and ankle surgery. In addition, popliteal and saphenous nerve blocks provide anesthesia of the entire lower leg, thus permitting a greater variety of procedures to be performed. This article reviews the anatomical considerations, various block techniques, and surgical applications of this useful approach to lower-leg anesthesia. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 94(4): 368–374, 2004)