Failed spinal anesthesia prior to total hip or knee arthroplasty was associated with inferior outcomes compared to successful anesthesia. Patients who experienced failed spinal anesthesia had increased blood loss, IV opioid use, and longer time to ambulation. However, there were no differences in pain scores between the groups. Additionally, patients with failed spinal anesthesia had a higher incidence of postoperative pain requiring emergency department visits and thromboembolism compared to those with successful spinal anesthesia. Despite these differences, 90-day complication rates were similar between patients with failed spinal anesthesia and those who initially received general anesthesia. Researchers emphasized the importance of successful spinal anesthesia for optimal outcomes following total joint arthroplasty.
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Failed spinal anesthesia associated with poor clinical outcomes after TJA
