The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of administering a predetermined amount of normal saline into the intrathecal or subarachnoid space via a small spinal catheter to reduce or eliminate the effects of previously injected spinal anesthetic following lower extremity orthopedic surgery.
This is a prospective, randomized, interventional study to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of administering normal saline into the intrathecal or subarachnoid space through a small gauge epidural catheter via a single spinal needle to reverse residual anesthesia following lower extremity orthopedic surgery. This method is adapted from observations in obstetric populations where saline administered via the spinal catheter reduced headaches. This study investigates whether orthopedic patients will also receive unique benefits. Research procedures overview: * Randomization to intervention or control arm, * Use of 6-inch BD 20-gauge Quincke spinal needle, through which a B. Braun Perifix 24-gauge polyurethane catheter * Administration of normal saline * Administration of post-operative survey while in the PACU 1 hour * Follow-up survey 3 days post-surgery * Medical record review and abstraction.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
Patients randomized to this arm will have saline administration via intrathecal catheter post-op prior to removal
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
RECRUITINGTime to residual motor blockade reversal
Time to residual motor blockade reversal as measured by Bromage score following saline administration and catheter removal, up to a maximum of 60 minutes.
Time frame: Initiation of spinal anesthetic to reversal, up to sixty minutes after removal of catheter.
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