A randomized study of epidural clonidine and dexmedetomidine used for post operative analgesia in total knee replacement

Abstract

Aim: This study of our study was to evaluate the onset and duration of sensory and motor block and side effects of clonidine or dexmedetomidine when used as an adjuvant in epidural anaesthesia in total knee replacement. Materials and methods: 60 patients of ASA status I and II, posted for total knee replacement were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 each. Group BC group patients received 18 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine and clonidine 2mcg/kg. Group BD group patients received 18 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine and dexmedetomidine 1.5mcg/kg. Preoperative and postoperative block characteristics as well as hemodynamic parameters were observed and recorded. Results: Dexmedetomidine resulted earlier onset and longer duration of sensory and motor block on comparison to clonidine as adjuvant in epidural anesthesia. Sedation scores were statistically significant with dexmedetomidine group in comparison to clonidine group. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine was a better than clonidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in epidural anaesthesia in total knee replacement.