Advantages of spinal anesthesia in orthopedic surgery

Abstract

Introduction. Spinal anesthesia is one of the oldest and most commonly used regional anesthesia techniques. It is based on the injection of a local anesthetic into the subarachnoid space, during which there is a transient interruption of impulse conduction in the spinal nerve roots. Application of spinal anesthesia. The use of spinal anesthesia depends on the following factors: the site of the surgical procedure, the type and duration of the surgical procedure, the degree of necessary surgical relaxation, and presence of accompanying diseases. Local anesthetics used in spinal anesthesia. There are two types local anesthetics used in spinal anesthesia. These are local anesthetics of the ester and amide type. Most frequently applied local anesthetics are those of the amide type. Orthopedic procedures under spinal anesthesia. The most common surgical procedures in orthopedic surgery performed under spinal anesthesia are hip, knee and ankle surgeries. Complications of spinal anesthesia. The most common complications of spinal anesthesia are hypotension, bradycardia, urinary retention, and postpuncture headache. Conclusion. The advantages of spinal over general anesthesia in orthopedic surgery include lower incidence of respiratory and myocardial depression, better peripheral tissue perfusion, minimal coagulation system disorders and prolonged postoperative analgesia.