Continuous Versus Single-Shot Spinal Anesthesia for Orthopedic Surgery

A study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA), single-shot spinal anesthesia (SSSA), and general anesthesia (GA) in patients over 60 years of age undergoing elective surgical repair of a fractured neck of femur. One hundred and five patients were randomly assigned to one of the three groups. The SSSA group received a single intrathecal injection of isobaric bupivacaine 0.5%, while the CSA group received multiple injections of the same anesthetic through a catheter placed in the subarachnoid space. The GA group received isoflurane anesthesia. Intraoperatively, blood pressure was monitored to assess the frequency of hypotension and the required dose of ephedrine. Additionally, the total dose of bupivacaine administered and the frequency of intraoperative fentanyl were recorded. Postoperatively, the duration of postoperative analgesia, pain scores, and need for additional pain medication were evaluated.