Effects of Continuous Analgesic Titrated Spinal Anesthesia in Elderly Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Surgery

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Anesthetizing elderly patients with hip fractures poses a significant challenge in emergency settings, particularly given the aging population both in Algeria and worldwide. With a high prevalence of comorbidities and polypharmacy, effective anesthetic management becomes paramount. Continuous titrated spinal anesthesia (CTSA) has emerged as a promising technique for addressing these complexities by proposing lower doses of local anesthetic (LA) in this patient population. Methods: This retrospective study involved 40 elderly patients (>65 years) undergoing hip fracture repair. Patients received intermittent dosing of a local anesthetic solution via an intrathecal catheter, utilizing 0.25 ml increments of 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine and 0.25 ml of fentanyl (12.5 μg). Evaluation criteria included hemodynamic stability, incidence of hypotension, extent of sensory and motor blockade, total ephedrine consumption, and patient and surgeon satisfaction. Results: A female predominance was noted, with a mean age of 75 years, and 72% classified as ASA ≥ III. Pertrochanteric fractures accounted for 47% of cases, followed by femoral neck fractures at 53%. Nearly all patients achieved a sensory level ≥ D10, with a failure rate of only 2%. Sedation supplementation was required in 20% of cases, with conversion to general anesthesia in one patient. Complications were minimal, including arterial hypotension (3%), vasoconstrictor use (2%), and bradycardia (0.8%). Overall, both patients and surgeons reported high levels of satisfaction. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that CTSA is an effective technique for elderly patients undergoing hip fracture repair, offering the advantages of reduced LA doses, excellent hemodynamic stability, and minimal side effects. Its simplicity and cost-effectiveness further enhance its appeal in clinical practice.