Dexmedetomidine Vs Dexamethasone in Popliteal Nerve Block

Effect of Perineural Dexmedetomidine vs. Dexamethasone on the duration of popliteal nerve block for Anesthesia After Pediatric ankle/foot surgery.

This study is proposed to explore the effect of systemic Dexamethasone on the duration of popliteal block for analgesia after pediatric ankle surgery. After ankle/foot surgery, children need good analgesia. Peripheral nerve blocks have provided a safe, effective method to control early postoperative pain when symptoms are most severe. The safety of local anaesthesia is essential in children due to the much lower toxicity threshold of local anaesthetics. An effective adjuvant, such as Dexamethasone, could allow for a higher dilution of local anaesthetics while maintaining and enhancing their analgesic effect. There is considerable research where intravenous and perineural dexamethasone use has been compared in adults. However, there is a massive lack of research regarding children. In this study, investigators compare perineural Dexmedetomidine and Dexamethasone. Group 2 will have Dexamethasone in a 0.1mg/kg dose, and group 2 will have dexmedetomidine in a 0.5 ug/kg dose added to the local anaesthetic in peripheral nerve block. The investigator's goal is to find which perineural adjuvant, Dexamethasone or dexmedetomidine, covers the need for good pain relief and fast recovery postoperatively.