Dawson, R.Mcleod, D.Koerber, J.Plummer, J.Dracopoulos, G.2018-09-102018-09-102016Anaesthesia, 2016; 71(3):285-2900003-24091365-2044http://hdl.handle.net/2440/114312We used 20 ml ropivacaine 0.75% for ankle blocks before foot surgery in 90 participants who we allocated in equal numbers to: perineural dexamethasone 8 mg and intravenous saline 0.9%; perineural saline 0.9% and intravenous dexamethasone 8 mg; or perineural and intravenous saline 0.9%. Dexamethasone increased the median (IQR [range]) time for the return of some sensation or movement, from 14.6 (10.8-18.8 [5.5-38.0]) h with saline to 24.1 (19.3-29.3 [5.0-44.0]) h when given perineurally, p = 0.00098, and to 20.9 (18.3-27.8 [8.8-31.3]) h when given intravenously, p = 0.0067. Dexamethasone increased the median (IQR [range]) time for the return of normal neurology, from 17.6 (14.0-21.0 [9.5-40.5]) h with saline to 27.5 (22.0-36.3 [7.0-53.0]) h when given perineurally, p = 0.00016, and to 24.0 (20.5-32.3 [13.0-42.5]) h when given intravenously, p = 0.0022. Dexamethasone did not affect the rates of block success, postoperative pain scores, analgesic use, or nausea and vomiting. The route of dexamethasone administration did not alter its effects.en© 2015 The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and IrelandFootHumansPain, PostoperativeSodium ChlorideAmidesDexamethasoneAnesthetics, LocalGlucocorticoidsAnesthesia Recovery PeriodTime FactorsAdultAgedAged, 80 and overMiddle AgedFemaleMaleRopivacaineJournal article003004228310.1111/anae.133460003701614000072-s2.0-849592224892-s2.0-84951757095226721