Year: 2026 | Month: April | Volume: 16 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 156-166
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260420
Comparison of Spinal Anaesthesia with Lumbar and Sacral Plexus Block for Hip Fracture Surgeries - An Observational Study from Northeast India
Sourav Saha1, Rajib Debnath2, Ambhrin Saha3, Kangchai Chaudhuri4
1Assistant Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, TMC & Dr. BRAM Teaching Hospital, Agartala, Tripura, India
2Associate Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, TMC & Dr. BRAM Teaching Hospital, Agartala, Tripura, India
3Assistant Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, TMC & Dr. BRAM Teaching Hospital, Agartala, Tripura, India
4Associate Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, TMC & Dr. BRAM Teaching Hospital, Agartala, Tripura, India
Corresponding Author: Dr. Kangchai Chaudhuri
ABSTRACT
Background: Hip fractures are becoming a bigger health issue worldwide, especially for older adults with comorbidities. The type of anaesthesia used can have a major impact on outcomes during and after surgery. While Spinal anaesthesia (SA) is commonly used, it often leads to sympathetic blockade and hemodynamic instability. The lumbar–sacral plexus block (LSPB) is an alternative technique that may contribute to greater stability of autonomic functions.
Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of a combined lumbar sacral block and subarachnoid block in patients undergoing hip fracture surgeries.
Methods: This observational study enrolled 50 patients undergoing hip fracture surgery, who were randomly assigned to the SA or LSPB groups (n=25 each). Hemodynamic parameters (Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure, Heart rate), analgesic requirements and general anaesthesia conversion were assessed at fixed perioperative time points. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated‑measures ANOVA.
Results: LSPB maintained significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure values than SA (p˂0.001), with marked hypotension after induction. Heart rate trends showed bradycardia in SA patients, while LSPB preserved stable rates (p=0.002). Analgesic supplementation was required in LSPB cases, whereas none in the SA group needed it (p˂0.01). Conversion to general anaesthesia was rare and not statistically significant between groups (p=0.48). Among all perioperative complications, hypotension was the most common, accounting for 18% of cases.
Conclusion: LSPB offers better hemodynamic stability and postoperative analgesic benefits than SA, making it a good option for elderly or high-risk patients. SA remains a dependable choice for anaesthesia during surgery, but LSPB offers cardiovascular safety and a smoother recovery.
Key words: Hip fracture surgery, Spinal anaesthesia, Lumbar–sacral plexus block, Haemodynamic stability, Northeast India