The Effects of Perineural Versus Intravenous Dexamethasone on Sciatic Nerve Blockade Outcomes

Preoperative administration of IV and perineural dexamethasone compared with saline did not improve overall QoR-40 or decrease opioid consumption but did prolong analgesic duration in patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery and receiving sciatic nerve block. Given the lack of clinical benefit and the concern of dexamethasone neurotoxicity as demonstrated in animal studies, the practice of perineural dexamethasone administration needs to be further evaluated.