Comparative study of intrathecal bupivacaine and bupivacaine with clonidine to assess degree of sensory and motor effect and postoperative analgesia in lower limb orthopedic surgeries

Abstract

Background: Subarachnoid blockade amongst regional anesthesia has been most commonly used for performing abdominal and umbilical surgeries. There is persistent search for finding an adjuvant to local anesthetics to prolong its action along with hemodynamic stability. In this study we have used clonidine as an adjuvant to local anaesthetic agent and have assessed its ability to prolong motor and sensory blockade and hemodynamic stability. Methods: This observational study was conducted on 56 patients of ASA grade I/II, undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgeries who were divided into 2 groups: Group B : Injection 3.0 ml hyperbaric Bupivacaine 0.5% + 0.12 ml normal saline was given intrathecally and Group C : Injection 3.0 ml Bupivacaine (0.5% hyperbaric) + 0.12 ml injection clonidine (20 mcg) was given intrathecally. We compared duration of sensory and motor blockade, hemodynamic changes, duration of analgesia and complications in both groups. Result: The onset of sensory and motor blockage was comparable in both groups. Duration of sensory and motor blockade was significantly longer in Group C than group B (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively).