CHALLENGE FOR ANAESTHESIOLOGIST - PATIENT HAVING RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

This case report describes spinal anaesthesia for right sided total hip replacement in a 23 year old patient with rheumatoid arthritis with anticipated difficult airway. 23G spinal needle was introduced in Lumbar 4, 5 spaces. The block was induced with 3.6 ml of 0.5% Bupivacaine heavy. The procedure was uneventful and patient was completely pain free. No complications associated with procedure were encountered. Spinal anaesthesia is good option for management of lower limb surgery in patients with arthritis with anticipated difficult airway