Fig. 1

Ultrasound (A-C) and clinical (B-D) images of femoral-sciatic nerve block procedures with the patient lying in a supine position. For femoral block (A-B), using an ultrasound-guided technique (A), the needle is advanced through the fascia lata and iliaca until an adequate position with respect to the femoral nerve (FN) is reached. The site of needle insertion (B) is located at the femoral crease but below the inguinal crease and immediately lateral to the pulse of the femoral artery (FA). For sciatic block (C-D), using an ultrasound-guided technique (C), the sciatic nerve (SCN) is seen as a hyperechoic oval structure sandwiched between the adductor magnus muscle and the hamstring muscles. The nerve is typically visualised at a depth of 6–8 cm, under the femoral artery (FA), the femur and the adductor magnus muscle. The needle is inserted in plane from the medial aspect of the thigh and advanced toward the sciatic nerve (D)