ISSN: 2041-6792

Clinical Investigation

Orthopedic Anesthesia Research Articles

Many types of anesthesia can be used for orthopaedic procedures. The type of anesthesia chosen depends on the nature and duration of the surgery, the patient’s health and medical conditions and the preferences of the patient, surgeon and anesthesiologist. Very large or long operations usually require general anesthesia. This is frequently combined with regional anesthesia. Small, short procedures on the hand or foot can be done with local anesthesia alone or with a combination of local anesthesia provided by the surgeon and some sedation provided by the anesthesiologist (also known as MAC). Occasionally, neuraxial (epidural or spinal) anesthesia is chosen for hip or lower extremity surgery. For knee replacement surgery, we are able to provide peripheral nerve blocks for relief of postoperative pain. Nerve blocks often substantially reduce the amount of pain a patient has in the first few days after surgery. Also, patients with nerve blocks usually require less anesthesia during the surgery itself, so they tend to wake up faster after surgery. If you or your surgeon are interested in a nerve block, please discuss it with your anesthesiologist to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for this type of anesthesia. Types of Nerve Blocks Supraclavicular block: The numbing medicine is injected above the collarbone, shallow to the lung and outside of the great vessels. This block is more widely used than in the past because newer technologies have made it safer. It provides anesthesia to the upper arm, elbow, wrist and hand. Axillary block: The numbing medicine is injected under the armpit (the axilla). This generally provides good anesthesia for hand, wrist, forearm and elbow surgery.  

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