Lower Limb Surgery Research Articles

The effect of tamsulosin in postoperative urinary retention: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Tamsulosin is a therapeutic drug of alpha-adrenergic antagonists. Previous randomized controlled trials and retrospective analyses have proved the efficacy of tamsulosin on many urinary system diseases. However, there is still a conflict about whether tamsulosin could prevent postoperative urinary retention (POUR). This meta-analysis aims to probe into the efficacy of tamsulosin for preventing POUR versus placebo. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library from December 31, 1999 to April 30, 2022, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Studies that were not RCTs or without negative controls were excluded. Cochrane Collaboration harmonized criteria were used to assess the risk of bias in included studies. Revman (version 5.3) software was invited to synthesize the results. We performed subgroup analyses to explore the factors that could influence tamsulosin's efficacy in POUR prevention. Our meta-analysis pooled 13 RCTs with 2163 patients. We concluded that tamsulosin brought about a significant reduction in the risk of POUR versus placebo (13.54% vs 20.88% for tamsulosin vs placebo, RR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.84, P = 0.002). Tamsulosin could significantly reduce the risk of POUR in abdominal (11.52% vs 20.25% for tamsulosin vs placebo, RR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.88, P = 0.02) and female pelvic surgery (15.57% vs 31.50% for tamsulosin vs placebo, RR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.82, P = 0.006) but not in spinal surgery (13.45% vs 12.75% for tamsulosin vs placebo, RR = 1.07, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.60, P = 0.73) and lower limb surgery (21.43% vs 33.33% for tamsulosin vs placebo, RR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.14, P = 0.13). The preventive effect of postoperative (17.70% vs 33.93% for tamsulosin vs placebo, RR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.85, P = 0.008) and postoperative with preoperative tamsulosin (13.96% vs 23.44% for tamsulosin vs placebo, RR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.93, P = 0.02) on POUR were significantly better than preoperative management (11.95% vs 14.63% for tamsulosin vs placebo, RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.65, P = 0.34). Postoperative catheter placement appears to have a negative impact on the POUR-preventive effect of tamsulosin. (9.37% vs 16.46% for tamsulosin vs placebo, RR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.83, P = 0.007) Tamsulosin showed significantly effect on POUR prevention in patients during spinal (15.07% vs 26.51% for tamsulosin vs placebo, RR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.90, P = 0.02) and epidural anesthesia (12.50% vs 29.79% for tamsulosin vs placebo, RR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.18 to 1.00, P = 0.05) but not in general anesthesia (12.40% vs 18.52% for tamsulosin vs placebo, RR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.03, P = 0.07). Tamsulosin shows better outcomes for preventing POUR than placebo. Besides, tamsulosin showed a different effect on POUR prevention in the various surgical sites, anesthesia, medication management, and catheter use. However, our conclusions still have some limitations due to the lack of evidence.

Study to compare the effect of Dexmedetomidine vs MgSo4 (50%) intrathecally as an adjuvant with bupivacaine (0.5%) for lower limb orthopedic surgery under subarachnoid block

Lower limb surgeries may be performed under local, regional (spinal or epidural) or general anesthesia, but neuraxial blockade is the preferred mode of anesthesia. Sub-arachnoid block or Spinal anaesthesia is the most common central block used in a surgical setting, which is being the most versatile and commonly used regional block. With increasing use of hyperbaric bupivacaine for sub arachnoid block, their limitations like prolongation of onset of sensory and motor blockage effect, short duration of action and early postoperative requirement of an analgesic agent, require an intrathecal adjuvant to these local anaesthetic agents for a complete satisfactory period of anaesthesia and patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the effect of Dexmedetomidine with MgSO4 (50%) intrathecally as an adjuvant for the characteristics of sensory and motor blockage for lower limb orthopedic surgery under subarachnoid block along with bupivacaine (0.5%). : Participants were randomly divided into two groups of 40 participants each. Group D (n=40) received Bupivacaine + dexmedetomidine, Group M (n=40) received Bupivacaine + MgSO4. Under strict aseptic and antiseptic precaution subarachnoid block was performed. Mixture of drugs according to group assign was injected. Assessment of sensory and motor characteristics was done. Inj. Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant in spinal block, seems to be superior to intra-thecal MgSO4 as it has faster onset, longer duration of action, prolonged analgesia in comparison with Magnesium Sulphate without significant hemodynamic alterations. Dexmedetomidine, as an adjuvant to Inj. Bupivacaine intra-thecally in sub-arachnoid block, has faster onset, longer duration of action, prolonged analgesia in comparison with Magnesium Sulphate.

Comparison of fentanyl and nalbuphine as adjuvants to intrathecal 0.5% bupivacaine in lower limb surgeries: A randomised double-blind prospective study.

Local anaesthetics used in spinal anaesthesia have a limited duration of action. To prolong postoperative analgesia, adjuvants, mainly opioids, are used. As µ agonist drugs have side effects, other receptor agonists are considered. Nalbuphine is a safe and effective kappa agonist adjuvant. To compare the analgesic efficacy between fentanyl and nalbuphine adjuvants added to 3 mL of 0.5% intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine. This prospective, double-blind, comparative study was conducted in 60 patients of either sex belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists classes I and II aged 18-65 years undergoing lower limb surgery with entropy monitoring, randomly allocated into two groups. Group F (n = 30) received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (3 mL) + 25 µg (0.5 mL) fentanyl. Group N (n = 30) received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (3 ml) + 0.8 mg (0.5 mL) nalbuphine intrathecally. Hemodynamics, entropy, motor and sensory block characteristics, and complications were noted. The nalbuphine group had a significantly longer two-segment regression time of sensory blockade and extended analgesia duration than the fentanyl group. Haemodynamics, entropy, time for onset of sensory and motor blockade and adverse effects were comparable in both groups. Nalbuphine prolongs sensory blockade and postoperative analgesia duration with minimal side effects and is a safe intrathecal adjuvant.

A Comparison Between Intrathecal Levobupivacaine and Bupivacaine for Quality and Safety During Infraumbilical Surgeries.

Background Levobupivacaine toxicity reports are rare, and when they do occur, toxic symptoms are frequently treatable with minimal morbidity and mortality. However, levobupivacaine has not entirely replaced bupivacaine in clinical practice. Moreover, the experience of intrathecal anesthesia with levobupivacaine is not well documented. Hence, the purpose of this study is to assess the quality and duration of sensory and motor blockade of levobupivacaine and its side effects, if any, compared to intrathecal bupivacaine during infraumbilical surgeries. Methods After approval by the Institutional Ethical Committee of Kurunji Venkatramana Gowda (KVG) Medical College and Hospital, Sullia, 90 patients aged between 18 and65 years, of either sex, who were scheduled for elective abdominoperineal, urological, or lower limb surgeries under intrathecal anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective study fromJanuary 2013 to June 2014. The selected patients were randomly assigned to three groups of 30 each: group HB (3 mL of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine), group IB (3 mL of 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine),and group IL (3 mL of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine). Motor blockade was assessed using the modified Bromage scale. Intergroup comparison was done using Tukey's post hoc test. The incidence of adverse effects was analyzed using a chi-squared test. Significance was defined as P<0.05. Results In our study, the mean age of patients in the three groups was comparable (P>0.05), i.e., group IB was 39.23±11.78 years, group HB was 43.63±11.33 years, and group IL was 39.8±12.07 years. The time of onset ofsensory block was 6.57±1.794 minutes in group IB, 2.30±1.343 minutes in group HB, and 4.57±1.960 minutes in group IL, and this variation was statistically highly significant (P<0.001). A total of 15 patients suffered hypotension intraoperatively, of which eight belonged to group HB, four to group IB, and the rest to group IL. Intraoperative or postoperative nausea/vomiting was seen in five patients in group IB, two patients in group HB, and one patient in group IL. In the postoperative period, the mean heart rate (HR) was 77.47±4.88/minute in group IB, 68.78±7.88/minutein group HB, and 72.15±8.83/minute in group IL. The data was statistically highly significant (P<0.001). Conclusion Our study revealed that 15 mg of isobaric levobupivacaine (3 mL of 0.5%), the new racemic isomer of bupivacaine, was intermediate in its anesthetic properties when compared to isobaric bupivacaine and hyperbaric bupivacaine. The onset of sensory and motor blockade is slower than hyperbaric bupivacaine but faster than isobaric bupivacaine with a higher level of maximum sensory block.

Kinematic, Electromyographic Activity and Muscular Architecture Description in Patients Operated with Pars-Dresden Technique

Category: Sports; Ankle; Basic Sciences/Biologics Introduction/Purpose: Kinematic, muscular architecture and myoelectric activity are altered during the healing process after Achilles tendon surgery. Currently, there are minimally invasive surgical techniques (PARS-Dresden) which have accelerated rehabilitation processes. However, evidence that compares kinematic, architecture and myoelectric activity between operated vs. non-operated leg is limited. The aim of this study is to describe the kinematic changes, muscular architecture and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the lower limb between operated vs. non-operated legs after Achilles tendon surgery. Methods: After obtaining IRB approval, patients undergoing the PARS-Dresden technique for acute Achilles tendon ruptures were invited to participate. We excluded patients with previous injuries or surgery in lower limbs that affect gait, muscular activity, or architecture. Eleven patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Patients were evaluated at three time-frames: 8, 12, and 24 weeks. Evaluations were performed walking on a treadmill at self-selected speed, while kinematic and surface EMG activity was measured in stance and swing phases of the gait. Kinematic variables were captured using a 3D motion analysis system with eight infrared cameras and twenty reflective markers over the lower limbs. Muscle architecture was evaluated using ultrasonography. A descriptive analysis was performed comparing operated versus non-operated legs. Results: Median age 36 years, 3 females. Kinematic evaluation shows sagittal plane asymmetry between operated versus non- operated legs at 8 and 12w. However, the 24w evaluation shows symmetry between both lower limbs. The EMG shows lower activity in the stance phase for the medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius, and soleus for operated legs at 8w and 12w, but at the 24w evaluation the activity was symmetric for these muscles evaluated in both legs. The muscular architecture shows less thickness in gastrocnemius muscles in the operated leg at 8w (median 11.2% operated vs 35.4% no-operated), reaching a symmetric thickness at 24w (median 34.2% operated vs 35.7% no-operated). Achilles tendon present asymmetric transversal area between both legs at three time-frames (median 1.88 cm2 versus 0.59 cm2). The pennation angles showed no difference between both legs in the three evaluation periods (median 22.0° versus 24.3° for MG, and 15.0° versus 13.5° for LG). Conclusion: We described kinematic, electromyographic and architectonic asymmetries between operated versus non-operated legs at 8 and 12 weeks postoperative of patients who underwent PARS-Dresden surgery for acute Achilles tendon ruptures. All patients achieved symmetric results at 24 weeks evaluation.

Current Trends Regarding Perioperative Pharmacological Anticoagulation in Lower Limb Surgeries among Orthopedic Surgeons of Pakistan -An Audit

Abstract:Perioperative anticoagulation has been recommended by AAOS, AACP, and ASH during orthopedic procedures of the lower limb. Guidelines show a difference of opinion regarding the optimum duration and drug of choice giving a way to use different methods of anticoagulation. This audit assessed the preferences for pharmacological anticoagulation in lower limb surgeries among orthopedic surgeons of Pakistan. Materials and Methods: An online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was started from June-September 2021 in Dr Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi where Orthopedic surgeons (n=632) were invited to fill those questionnaires. A total of 85 orthopedic surgeons responded completely. An electronic eight-question survey was designed which included questions about demographics of surgeons, the drug of choice, perioperative duration, preferred surgeries, and average incidence of thromboembolism per year. Results: 12.9% surgeons use anticoagulation for all surgeries while 82.3% of orthopedic surgeons use anticoagulants in selective surgeries. LMWH (94.1%) and Rivaroxaban (17.6%) were the drug of choice for most surgeons. 70.6% of respondents never used anticoagulation preoperatively. 17.7% used it three days preoperatively. 28.24% of surgeons prescribed anticoagulation for 3 days postoperatively while 17.7% of surgeons prescribed anticoagulation for 2 weeks postoperatively. 10.6% of surgeons never used anticoagulation postoperatively. Arthroplasty (71.7%), trauma (55.3%), and pelvis and acetabulum (54.1%) were the subspecialties with routine anticoagulation. 81.2% and 17.7% of surgeons reported less than 1% and 1% to 3% incidence of thromboembolism, respectively. No surgeon reported any incidence of thromboembolism above 5%. Conclusion: Use of anticoagulation is prevalent among orthopedic surgeons in Pakistan. However, significant differences are observed regarding the perioperative duration. The surgeons need to prescribe DOAC such as Rivaroxaban and Dabigatran as agents of choice while extended postoperative pharmacological anticoagulation of 28-35 days needs to be adopted.

Treatment of tibial large bone defects: A comparative study of bone transport over an intramedullary nail in combination with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulphate versus bone transport alone with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulphate

PurposeTo compare the bone transport over an intramedullary nail in combination with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulphate versus bone transport alone with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulphate for the treatment of tibial large bone defects. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted by enroling 33 surgically treated patients with tibial large bone defects after the debridement for tibial infection or osteomyelitis who were admitted in Lower Limb Surgery Ward of Traumatic orthopaedic Department, Xi'an Honghui Hospital from January 2018 to January 2021. All the patients were categorized in Group A (transport over intramedullary nail, 12 cases) and Group B (transport alone, 21 cases) based on the surgery strategy. The collected clinical materials and data included gender, age, injury mechanism, smoking habits, comorbidity diseases, initial fracture type (open or close), bone defect size, surgical duration, intraoperative bleeding loss, resorption time of calcium sulphate, bone transport time, external fixation time, external fixation index, weight bearing time, complications and Paley bone and functional criteria. ResultsThirty-three patients were enroled and successfully followed up with an average time of 15.25±4.31 months ranged from 8 to 21 months in Group A and an average time of 17.09±5.64 months ranged from 9 to 31 months in Group B. No significantly statistical differences of the demographic data were discovered between the two groups. There were no significantly statistical differences of the average bone defect size, intraoperative bleeding loss, resorption time of calcium sulphate and bone transport time between the two groups. However, the average surgical duration (P = 0.002) was significantly longer in Group A than Group B and the average external fixation time (P<0.001), external fixation index(P = 0.002) and weight bearing time (P = 0.030) were significantly shorter in Group A than Group B. No significantly statistical difference of excellent and good rate of bone outcomes and complication rate was observed, however, the excellent and good rate of functional outcomes (P = 0.041) was significantly higher in Group A than Group B. ConclusionCompared with the conventional Ilizarov technique combining with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulphate for large tibial bone defects, bone transport over an intramedullary nail in combination with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulphate had favourable external fixation time, external fixation index, weight bearing time and clinical functional outcomes which effectively suppressed the infection and allowed patients earlier removal of the external fixator and weight bearing for rehabilitation.

Safety of wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) in for lower limb surgery: A potential alternative in times of emergency.

Lower limb surgery is usually performed under general or regional anaesthesia in normal operating room setting. However, when the surgery need to be performed in situations where there are limited resources and equipment, especially during a pandemic outbreak, in battlefields or area of disaster occurrence, the wide-awake local anaesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) surgery can be utilised. This study aims to assess the efficacy of performing lower limb surgery using WALANT technique. A randomised cross-sectional study was designed to assess the effectiveness of WALANT in lower limb surgery, particularly in terms of duration of anaesthesia, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), pain visual analogue scale (VAS), duration of surgery, amount of estimated blood loss (EBL) and total length of stay (LOS). A total of 91 patients requiring lower limb surgery were recruited, with only 83 patients completed the VAS pain assessment for all time points of the study. Mean age of patients was 52.1 ± 14.9 years. Mean VAS score were 1.19 ± 1.53 and 1.46 ± 1.86, preoperatively and intraoperatively. Mean VAS score were 0.55 ± 1.52, 0.60 ± 1.41, and 1.06 ± 1.69 at 2, 4, and 6 h post-surgery, respectively. Majority (79; 86.8%) of patient has preoperative anxiety score that was <17. Mean surgery duration was 65.28 ± 39.02 min, mean EBL was 91.34 ± 78.94 cc, whereas mean LOS was 3.35 ± 1.16 days. EBL was a weak predictor of postoperative pain. In conclusion, WALANT technique for lower limb surgery is effective and safe.

Analgesia with bupivacaine under subarachnoid block in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries

Background and Aim: To study and compare the hemodynamic stability and duration of analgesia in spinal anaesthesia among bolus versus lower fractional doses of bupivacaine in the arachnoid block for the patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries specifically urologic, pelvic, and lower limb surgeries. Methods: Interventional Randomized Comparative case-control study done among 70 study participants to compare analgesia with bupivacaine under subarachnoid block in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries. Results: To sum up, we found that the time for onset of the sensory block with a fractionated dose of bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia was significantly lesser than the time taken with a bolus dose and took a significantly longer time to regress. Conclusion: We found that patients who received a fractionated dose of bupivacaine had a faster onset of motor blockade compared

Comparison Between Ultrasound-guided Caudal Analgesia versus Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Lower Limb Surgeries in Pediatrics: A Randomized Controlled Prospective Study.

Background and AimUltrasound (US) guided regional analgesia is a safe and effective method in providing perioperative analgesia in pediatrics with a high success rate rapid onset and fewer side effects. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of US-guided caudal block versus US-guided peripheral nerve blocks (femoral and sciatic nerve blocks) in providing perioperative analgesia in pediatrics undergoing unilateral lower limb surgery.MethodsChildren aged 1–12 years scheduled for unilateral lower limb surgery during the period from January 2020 to December 2021 were randomly allocated into two groups. Group C where pediatrics received US-guided caudal block, while in group P, pediatrics received US-guided femoral and sciatic nerve blocks after the induction of general anesthesia (GA). The primary aim was to compare the postoperative pain (evaluated by the COMFORT pain score) between the two groups. Secondary aims were to compare perioperative opioids used parents’ satisfaction and occurrence of side effects.ResultsPediatrics who underwent unilateral lower limb surgeries were allocated into two groups (group C and group P). There was no significant difference between patients’ baseline characteristics and the postoperative pain score at 2, 4, 16, and 20 h.’ However there was a statistical significance at 6, 8, 12, and 24 h postoperatively, frequency of analgesia as well as the total postoperative dose of opiates (nalbuphine). Time to first analgesic (nalbuphine) requirement was significantly less in group C with a mean of (9.6±2.9 h) than in group P with a mean of (15.1±3.5 h). Parents of children in group P were more satisfied than those in group C with no recorded complications for both techniques.ConclusionUS-guided lower limb peripheral nerve block is a simple and safe method to provide adequate and more prolonged analgesia compared to US-guided caudal block for lower limb surgeries in pediatrics.

Comparative evaluation of anesthetic efficacy and hemodynamic effects of intrathecal isobaric bupivacaine versus intrathecal isobaric levobupivacaine in the lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries

Background: The most frequently utilized approach in patients undergoing lower abdominal and lower limb procedures is spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the anesthetic efficacy and hemodynamic effects of isobaric bupivacaine and isobaric levobupivacaine for spinal anesthesia. Materials and Methods: In our study, 80 patients (43 – male and 37 – female) between the ages of 18 and 70 years at Sri Venkateswaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Ariyur, Puducherry, were enrolled and split into Group I and Group II following approval by an ethical committee and written informed consent. Individuals in Group I were given 3 mL of preservative free 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine (Anawin™, bupivacaine hydrochloride, Neon laboratories, India), and Group II patients were given 3 mL of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine (Levoanawin™, levobupivacaine hydrochloride, Neon laboratories, India) for spinal anesthesia. A complete preanesthetic checkup was performed the day before surgery. Results: In this study, we observed no significant correlation between height, weight, and surgery duration. We discovered a statistically substantial distinction in motor and sensory blockade between the bupivacaine (Group I) and levobupivacaine (Group II) groups. In this study, Group I (50% of patients) had a lower occurrence of hypotension than Group II (20% of patients), indicating a statistically significant variation between the groups. Conclusion: When compared to levobupivacaine, individuals in the bupivacaine group required more administration of the vasoactive medicine ephedrine and the sympathomimetic drug atropine. Levobupivacaine is less cardiotoxic, neurotoxic, and equally potent local anesthetic compared to its racemate.

Paraplegic Patient for Lower Limb Surgery

Patients with spinal cord injury 4–8 weeks back presenting for non-spinal elective surgery, present a unique challenge to the anesthesiologist. The perioperative concerns include potential for perioperative autonomic hypereflexia, muscle spasms, respiratory inadequacy, controversies regarding the use of muscle relaxants and opioids as well as medico-legal and technical issues associated with administration of regional anesthesia. Both general as well as regional anesthesia has been used for surgery on the insensate part below the level of injury with variable success but no standard definitive anesthetic management is recommended. We present our case series of monitored anesthesia care administration in paraplegic patients who presented for lower limb surgeries.

Effect on Cardiovascular System by Hyperbaric Bupivacaine and Isobaric Ropivacaine Given By Sub-Arachnoid Block in Planned Lower Extremity Surgery

Objectives: Efficacy of two local anesthetic drugs such as Ropivacaine and Bupivacaine were compared when they were administered intrathecally during elective lower limb surgery. Furthermore, the side effects of both drugs were also studied in the similar research.&#x0D; Methods: The study was done double-blinded, un-biased and a randomized control trial. Cardiovascular system parameters such as average heart rate and average systolic blood pressure were monitored after medication given. Decreased BP, nausea, vomiting, shivering and headache were the parameters used to assess the side effects on the patients receiving both the drugs.&#x0D; Results: Action of these two drugs on cardiovascular system parameters were monitored and there was no valuable dissimilarity seen. No statistical significance was found in the duration of nausea, vomiting and headache. None of the patients reported bradycardia or backache. However, shivering was observed in the patients that were administered Bupivacaine as compared to Ropivacaine.&#x0D; Conclusion: Ropivacaine is a better drug of choice as compared to Bupivacaine while considering the hemodynamic parameters as well as the different post-operative symptoms.&#x0D; Clinical Trial Number: Reference number: 0031/14 (Authenticated by Ethical and Scientific Review Committee, Karachi Medical and Dental College)&#x0D;

Addition of Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl to Intrathecal Hyperbaric Bupivacaine for Lower Limb Surgeries: A Randomized, Comparative Study.

Background and aim: There is an unmet need to prolong analgesia duration following regional anesthesia; dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant for the intrathecal block has gained popularity over the last few years. The present study compares the onset, duration of sensory and motor block, postoperative analgesia, hemodynamic changes, and adverse effect of dexmedetomidine or fentanyl as an adjuvant to hyperbaric bupivacaine administered intrathecally.Methods: With approvals, 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II adult patients undergoing lower limb surgeries under subarachnoid block were randomized to receive either 5 µg dexmedetomidine (group BD, n=30) or 25 μg fentanyl (group BF, n=30) intrathecally along with 12.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine. The time to onset of sensory and motor blockade, time to peak block, intraoperative hemodynamic variations, duration of postoperative analgesia, and associated intraoperative and postoperative complications, if any, were recorded and compared statistically. SPSS v16 (IBM Corp., New York, United States) was used, and P<0.05 was considered significant.Results: The onset of sensory block in group BD was 1.54 ±0.38 minutes and 3.4 ± 0.40 minutes (P<0.001) in group BF. Time taken for the sensory level to reach T10 in group BD was 3.11± 0.43 minutes and 5.55 ± 0.60 minutes (P<0.001) in group BF. Time taken for two-segment regression in group BD was 160.06 ± 6.85 minutes and 110.4 ± 6.03 minutes (P<0.001) in group BF. The onset of motor block was 2.58 ± 0.437 minutes in group BD and 4.43 ± 0.43 minutes (P<0.001) in group BF. The total duration of analgesia in group BD was 365.8 ± 24.76 minutes and 213.33 ± 20.19 minutes (P<0.001) in group BF. Minimum intraoperative hemodynamic variations were found in group BD, and two groups had comparable side effects.Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine 5 μg added to intrathecal bupivacaine produced early-onset and prolonged block compared with fentanyl 25 μg. No significant attributable adverse effects were noted for both the drugs except the fall in blood pressure, which was gradual in dexmedetomidine but a steep fall in fentanyl.

Early Activation of Quadriceps With Pressure Biofeedback for the Prevention of Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition Following Lower Limb Orthopedic Surgeries: A Proof of Concept Clinical Trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore the possible role of pressure biofeedback in the early activation of quadriceps following lower limb orthopedic surgeries. MethodsThis was a proof of concept clinical trial. A single-blinded randomized controlled study was conducted on 24 patients who underwent lower limb surgeries. The experimental group received standardized physiotherapy treatment in addition to pressure biofeedback for quadriceps retraining. The control group received a standardized physiotherapy treatment developed for an inpatient orthopedic setting. The motor unit action potential (MUAP) duration and amplitude were measured using electromyography on the second and sixth postoperative days. ResultsTwenty-four participants, with a mean age for the control group of 58.67 ± 17.21 and the experimental group of 40.1 ± 6.96, were enrolled. No statistical significance in MUAP amplitude for within the groups (F[5,85] = 1.735, P = .135) was found. However, there was a statistical significance between the control and experimental groups in amplitude measured by electromyography (F[1,17] = 49.09, P < .01). There was no statistical significance in MUAP duration for within the groups (F[5,85] = 1.303, P = .270). However, there was a statistical significance in duration (F[1,17] = 71.84, P < .01). ConclusionPressure biofeedback was more effective in the early activation of quadriceps muscle when coupled with conventional exercises compared with conventional exercises alone following lower limb orthopedic surgeries. Early activation of quadriceps could be a contributing factor to preventing arthrogenic muscle inhibition.

Poliomyelitis - Related Deformities Successfully Treated with Reconstructing and Lengthening Lower Limb Surgeries and Followed up 11 Years: Challenging Approaches in a Limited - Resources Country

Poliomyelitis is a viral infection that may lead to paralysis or death. Paralysis can lead to skeletal and joint deformities. Typical manifestations include equinoscavus and tibial shortening. We report a polio case presented with right equinus foot, clawing in the right great toe, and shortening in the right tibia.

A Comparative Study of Analgesic Efficacy of Epidural Ropivacaine With Dexmedetomidine Versus Ropivacaine With Ketamine in Adult Patients Undergoing Elective Lower Limb Surgery.

Introduction: Adjuvating of the epidural block with local anaesthetics during lower limb surgeries improves Intraoperative as well as postoperative analgesia. A comparison of epidural ropivacaine plus dexmedetomidine (RD) versus ropivacaine plus ketamine (RK) was done in terms of quality of the motor and sensory blockade, changes in hemodynamic parameters, and efficacy of analgesia.Methods: A prospective randomized parallel double-blind study was conducted on 68 patients of the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade 1 and 2, ages 18 to 75 years, which were divided into two groups (RD and RK; 34 patients in each group). After receiving a loading dose through an epidural catheter consisting of 20ml of 0.5% ropivacaine, the epidural infusion was started after an hour of surgery at 5ml/hrs of 0.2% ropivacaine with 1µg/ml dexmedetomidine in Group RD and at 5ml/hrs of 0.2% ropivacaine with 0.5mg/ml ketamine in Group RK for 48 hours. Both groups were compared regarding the onset of sensory and motor block, resolution of sensory and motor block, hemodynamic parameters, analgesic efficacy, and total rescue analgesic requirement in 48 hours.Results: A significant difference was observed in the time of resolution of sensory blockade which was 9.77±2.38 hrs in the RD group as compared to 7.79±1.82 hrs in the RK group (p-value 0.0003) and the time of resolution of motor block was 6.53±2.44 hrs in the RD group compared to 4.58±0.83 hrs in the RK group (p-value 0.001).Conclusions: Epidural dexmedetomidine significantly increases the duration of analgesia and duration of the motor blockade in comparison to ketamine.

Comparative study of epidural fentanyl with bupivacaine and epidural tramadol with bupivacaine for postoperative pain management in orthopedic lower limb surgeries

Introduction: Pain is a complex subjective sensation that is difficult to quantify in a repeatable manner. Surgical pain is observed to be more intense post-surgery and then fades in the next 24 h. Epidural anesthesia/analgesia is the most widely used technique for lower limb surgeries because of its good sensory and motor block property, reduces stress response, and maintains sufficient spontaneous respiration and hemodynamic stability. Materials and Methods: The study looked at 100 individuals between the ages of 20 and 60 who underwent elective lower limb surgery and were classified as ASA I and II. The patients were split into two 50-person groups. The adverse effects of nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, urine retention, and pruritus, as well as the quality and duration of postoperative analgesia, were investigated. The patient was monitored for 48 h after surgery. Results: A total of 100 patients were included in the study, where the least age of the patient was 19 years and the greatest age was 75 years. In group T, maximum patients belong to the age group of 26–35 years, whereas in group F maximum patients belong to the age group of 36–45years. In group T, 41 (82%) were males and 9 (18%) were females. In group F, 37 (74%) were males and 13 (26%) were females. Conclusion: Our findings show that epidural tramadol and epidural fentanyl are equally effective, except for fentanyl’s shorter duration of action. Fentanyl also has a moderate sedative effect, which is beneficial in the postoperative period.

WALANT: A Discussion of Indications, Impact, and Educational Requirements.

Wide-awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet (WALANT) is a technique that removes the requirement for operations to be performed with a tourniquet, general/regional anesthesia, sedation or an anesthetist. We reviewed the WALANT literature with respect to the diverse indications and impact of WALANT to discuss the importance of future surgical curriculum integration. With appropriate patient selection, WALANT may be used effectively in upper and lower limb surgery; it is also a useful option for patients who are unsuitable for general/regional anesthesia. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of WALANT in more complex operations in both upper and lower limb surgery. WALANT is a safe, effective, and simple technique associated with equivalent or superior patient pain scores among other numerous clinical and cost benefits. Cost benefits derive from reduced requirements for theater/anesthetic personnel, space, equipment, time, and inpatient stay. The lack of a requirement for general anesthesia reduces aerosol generating procedures, for example, intubation/high-flow oxygen, hence patients and staff also benefit from the reduced potential for infection transmission. WALANT provides a relatively, but not entirely, bloodless surgical field. Training requirements include the surgical indications, volume calculations, infiltration technique, appropriate perioperative patient/team member communication, and specifics of each operation that need to be considered, for example, checking of active tendon glide versus venting of flexor tendon pulleys. WALANT offers significant clinical, economic, and operative safety advantages when compared with general/regional anesthesia. Key challenges include careful patient selection and the comprehensive training of future surgeons to perform the technique safely.

Caudal Morphine in Pediatric Patients: A Comparison of Two Different Doses in Children Undergoing Infraumbilical Surgery - A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Study.

One of the most feared symptoms of any disease is PAIN. It is a complex phenomenal experience, especially in children. Various methods and medications have been administered through different routes. Regional anesthesia produces marvelous postoperative analgesia and cessation of stress response in infants and children. Caudal epidural analgesia is the most acceptable and popular method of providing intra- and postoperative analgesia for abdominal, perineal, and lower limb surgeries in children. The use of preservative-free morphine as an adjunct to ropivacaine increases the quality and duration of analgesia despite the various side effects. Various articles use various doses of morphine as an adjuvant in caudal epidural analgesia. Hence, we conducted the study to compare the two dosages of morphine that is 20 μg.kg-1 and 30 μg.kg-1 of caudal epidural morphine for infraumblical surgeries with regard to its efficacy and safety and side effect profiles. The study is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study. Sixty patients were divided into two groups. Group A: 20 μg.kg-1 of morphine was added to 0.2% ropivacaine 1 mL.kg-1 and the solution was made. Group B: 30 μg.kg-1 of morphine was added to 1 mL.kg-1 of 0.2% ropivacaine. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, SPO2, pain score, and sedation score were recorded immediately, after 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 16 h, 18 h, and 24 h were recorded. The mean duration of analgesia is similar in both groups (P = 0.011). The mean duration was 20.517 ± 1.9143 h in Group A and 22.233 ± 1.6853 h in Group B. Children with the requirement of one dose of rescue analgesia in Group A was 83.3% which was higher than Group B being 66.7%. Children with no analgesic requirement were 16.7% in Group A and 33.3% in Group B. The incidence of side effects was more in Group B (8 [26.7%] children with nausea and vomiting; 1 [3.3%] children with urinary retention) than in Group A (2 [6.6%] children with nausea and vomiting. From the above observations, it can be concluded that morphine of less dosage (20 μg.kg-1) when added to 0.2% ropivacaine for the caudal epidural block has better efficacy than morphine of higher dosage (30 μg.kg-1) as the duration of analgesia is similar with decreased incidence of side effects.