There is (probably) no (meaningful) difference in (most) outcomes between 'spinal' and 'general' anaesthesia for hip fracture surgery: time to move forward.

TitleThere is (probably) no (meaningful) difference in (most) outcomes between 'spinal' and 'general' anaesthesia for hip fracture surgery: time to move forward.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsWhite SM, Tedore T, Shelton CL
JournalBr J Anaesth
Volume130
Issue4
Pagination385-389
Date Published2023 Apr
ISSN1471-6771
KeywordsAnesthesia, General, Anesthesia, Spinal, Hip Fractures, Humans, Perioperative Care, Postoperative Complications
Abstract

A meta-analysis influenced by two recent large randomised controlled trials (REGAIN and RAGA) concluded that little, if any, difference in commonly measured outcomes exists between patients administered spinal or general anaesthesia for their hip fracture surgery. We explore whether there is genuinely no difference, or what the methodological problems in research might be that prevent any real difference from being observed. We also discuss the need for greater nuance in future research to determine how anaesthetists might deliver perioperative care towards improving postoperative recovery trajectories in patients following hip fracture.

DOI10.1016/j.bja.2023.01.013
Alternate JournalBr J Anaesth
PubMed ID36801101