[The Distance between the Sciatic Nerve Bifurcation and Popliteal Fossa in Japanese].

BACKGROUND: The bifurcation into tibial nerve and common peroneal nerve is generally targeted for sciatic nerve block at popliteal approach. However, it is sometimes difficult to determine the exact bifurcation point in clinical situation. The mean distance between the popliteal fossa and division of sciatic nerve (DPDSN) was reported approximately 6 cm ± 2.5 cm in Caucasian cadaver study. We also studied DPDSN in Japanese cadaver to find ethnic difference.

METHODS: We dissected and recorded DPDSN and distance from gluteal fold to heel (foot length : FL) in 15 cadavers.

RESULTS: Mean DPDSN was 2.46 ± 2.00 cm (range: 0 to 8.8 cm). The DPDSN and FL were not correlated.

CONCLUSIONS: DPDSN of Japanese cadaver is shorter than the previously reported data in Caucasian cadaver. Since the DPDSN has inter-individual and intra-individual differences, we should estimate the DPDSN carefully in each leg using ultrasonography and nerve stimulator.