The use of succinylcholine (anectine) in the placement of hip joint prostheses

Abstract

In a series of thirty cases succinylcholine chloride in doses of 20 to 30 mg. intravenously has served as a valuable relaxing agent at the time of reduction of the hip following placement of upper femoral prostheses. Its use has permitted light anesthesia throughout the operative procedure, minimal detachment of muscles and tendons, and has minimized the hazard of splitting of the upper femoral shaft and crushing of the superior acetabulum. All together for these and other surgical procedures, succinylcholine has been used over 400 times. There have been no ill effects from the drug. Respiration during the brief period of apnea has been easily maintained by rhythmic manual compression of the bag by the anesthesiologist. Succinylcholine based on this experience is strongly recommended as an aid in the reduction of the femoral head after placement of the upper femoral prosthesis. It further is recommended as an aid in the reduction of fractures of the femoral shaft during the operation of intramedullary nailing and in the reduction of dislocations of the shoulder in very muscular individuals.