Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine With Bupivacaine, in Patients Undergoing Knee Orthopedic Surgery

The Analgesic Effect of Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine With Bupivacaine, in Patients Undergoing Knee Orthopedic Surgery: A Randomized Double-Blinded Dose-Finding Trial

This study aims to compare the duration of analgesia (as the primary outcome) and adverse effects (as the secondary outcome) after intrathecal administration of dexmedetomidine with hyperbaric bupivacaine to patients undergoing knee orthopedic surgery.

Intrathecal adjuncts are commonly added to local anesthetic agents, to improve the duration of nerve blocks and postoperative pain relief without increasing the dosage of local anesthetic.

Studies have shown that dexmedetomidine (DEX) has a greater potential for enhancing analgesic effects due to its higher specificity for alpha2 adrenoceptors. DEX is commonly used for sedation and as an adjunct to reduce the amount of anesthesia and opioids required during general and regional anesthesia in both adults and children.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age from 18 to 65 years.
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II.
• Male patients scheduled for knee orthopedic surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with psychiatric disorders.
• History of drug addiction.
• Contraindication for regional anesthesia.
• History of hypersensitivity to the study drugs.
• Previous administration of opioids and/or other central nervous system depressants during current hospital admission.