Orthopedics
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A prospective study was undertaken in 39 patients undergoing 48 foot and ankle procedures using intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA). IVRA was administered using 35 cc of 0.33% or 0.5% lidocaine. Single tourniquets inflated to 250 mm Hg were used at the ankle level. ⋯ IVRA compared favorably with other methods of regional anesthesia in the lower extremity with respect to ease of technique, speed of onset, safety, and patient acceptance. However, it appears that it is less reliable than IVRA in the upper extremity. The reasons for this difference will require further investigation.