To Study the Efficacy of 45?g of Clonidine Added to 0.5% Isobaric Ropivacaine For Spinal Anaesthesia in Lower Limb Orthopaedic Surgeries

BACKGROUND Not much data is available on the effect of clonidine added to 15 mg 0.5 % isobaric ropivacaine in subarachnoid block. AIMS To evaluate the efficacy of 45 g of clonidine with 15 mg isobaric ropivacaine in spinal anaesthesia for lower limb orthopedic surgery. Evaluation of effect on sensory and motor block characteristics which included onset, intensity, duration of block along with post-operative analgesia and patient safety. PATIENTS& METHODS After Institutional Ethical Committee approval, double blind, prospective study was conducted.100 ASA grade I-IIpatients (18-60 years) were equally randomized into group R (receiving 15 mg of isobaric ropivacaine) and group RC (receiving 15 mg of isobaric ropivacaine with clonidine 45 g). Standard technique of administration and evaluation of subarachnoid block and postoperative analgesia were followed. Onset, duration and intensity of block and complications, VAS score in post-op period were recorded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Fox Pro 2.6 model. RESULTS There was significantly early onset, adequate and prolonged sensory& motor blockade in RC group when compared with R group. VAS score was also significantly less in RC group. Sedation level was more in RC group and cardiovascular changes were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION Addition of intrathecal 45 g clonidine enhanced sensory& motor blockade& postoperative analgesia of isobaric ropivacaine safely.