Continuous Spinal Anaesthesia in Geriatric Patients for Orthopaedic Procedures Involving the Proximal Femur: A Case Series

Objective: to evaluate the onset of sensory and motor blockade, intra-operative haemodynamic changes and the extent of the block.

Method and methodology: 12 geriatric patients scheduled for proximal femur surgery were administered spinal anaesthesia with 1.3 mL hyperbaric bupivacaine and 0.2 mL inj. Fentanyl in L3,4 space (total 1.5mL) with an 20G epidural catheter inside the subarachnoid space. Onset and height of sensory, motor and haemodynamic changes were recorded.

Results: Mean time to onset of sensory and motor blocks are 271.5±14.12 and 311.5±17.76 seconds respectively. No significant hypotension and bradycardia were noted.

Conclusion: Continuous spinal anaesthesia (CSA) can be used safely and effectively in geriatric patients undergoing proximal femur orthopaedic procedures. It provides a stable hemodynamic conditions along with the provision of prolonging the duration of anaesthesia through graded dosing.