OBTURATOR NERVE BLOCK: AN EVALUATION OF TECHNIQUE * *This study was supported by Grant VRA-ISR-30-67 from the Social Rehabilitation Service, U.S., Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington, D.C.

Abstract

SUMMARYFourteen obturator nerve blocks, in 8 patients, were carried out by blind anatomical approach, as controlled by image-intensifier fluoroscopy and electrical stimulation. After description of techniques and analysis of results, it is concluded that the anatomical approach, as controlled by electrical stimulation of the nerve, is the most accurate method. 0.5 mA was found to be the pertinent rheobase with regard to exact nerve location. The advantages and disadvantages of the radiographic and electrical stimulation techniques are discussed.