Detecting Compartment Syndrome Pain in the Presence of Regional Anesthesia in Healthy Volunteers

Plain-language summary

The goal of the study is to determine how different types of Regional Anesthesia (nerve blocks) can be helpful to patients with lower extremity trauma who develop compartment syndrome (an increased pressure in the fascial compartments) which can occur after injury to the leg. This is a prospective, randomized study in healthy volunteers, who will undergo testing of the leg using a cuff inflation system, involving quantitative sensory testing (QST), questionnaire completion, with ultrasound scanning and nerve blocks in a supervised, monitored setting (BWH Clinical Investigation Center). Specific Aims 1. Determine the effect of adductor canal-saphenous nerve block (ACB) and popliteal-fossa nerve block (SNB-PF) vs no block on pressure and ischemic pain in a model of compartment syndrome. 1. Hypothesis: There will be minimal or no change in pressure pain threshold and tolerance and pain ratings with ACB alone 2. Hypothesis: There will be an increase in pressure pain threshold and tolerance and decrease in pain ratings with ACB plus popliteal-fossa nerve block (SNB-PF), compared to no block 2. Determine the concentration dependence of SNB-PF effect on pressure and ischemic pain by comparing increasing doses of local anesthetic. 1. Hypothesis: There will be a greater increase in pressure pain threshold and tolerance and great decrease in pain ratings with 1.5% mepivacaine than with 0.375% mepivacaine.

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