Orthopaedic anaesthesia

Bone and joint surgery can be done under a general anaesthetic, a spinal anaesthetic, a nerve block, or a combination. A nerve block can numb the arm or leg for many hours after surgery, which helps with pain. Your anaesthetist will recommend the options that suit your health and your operation.

Your options

• General anaesthetic. You are unconscious for the operation.
• Spinal anaesthetic. An injection in the lower back numbs you from the waist down for a few hours. It is often used for hip and knee replacements, usually with sedation so you are relaxed or asleep.
• Nerve block. Local anaesthetic is injected near the nerves that supply the area, often using ultrasound to guide the needle. It can numb a shoulder, arm, hand, knee or foot for surgery and for pain relief afterwards.
• Combinations. A nerve block is often combined with a general anaesthetic or sedation.

ANZCA’s patient page on anaesthesia for joint surgery explains these options in more detail.

After a nerve block

The numb limb cannot feel heat, cold or pressure and may be weak. Protect it from knocks and burns, wear a sling if you are given one, and do not try to walk on a numb leg without help. Start your regular pain relief before the block wears off, as advised, because pain can return quickly.

Risks

Each option has its own risks, which your anaesthetist will explain. For example, spinal anaesthesia can cause a drop in blood pressure or, uncommonly, a headache, and nerve blocks can occasionally cause tingling or numbness that lasts longer than expected. Serious nerve damage is rare.

In an emergency, call 000. This information is general and does not replace advice from your treating practitioner.