[Selected techniques of regional anaesthesia for orthopaedic surgery].

Abstract

Central blocks, continuous subarachnoid-epidural anaesthesia, including combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia (CSE) are used for long and painful procedures of lower limbs. They provide quick and good-quality anaesthesia as well as satisfactory postoperative analgesia. After their administration, ambulation is quick and rehabilitation instituted early, which is essential for the postoperative course of orthopaedic procedures. Peripheral blocks are an excellent alternative, especially in patients at high perioperative risk, who require anticoagulants. The novel techniques of location of peripheral nerves and plexuses, i.e., nerve stimulation- and ultrasound-guidance, improve the efficacy of blocks and shorten the duration of anaesthesia. Moreover, they improve safety and comfort of patients.