Abstract

Aim of our study was to evaluate the onset, extent and duration of sensory and motor block and side effects of clonidine or magnesium sulfate when used as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in epidural anaesthesia in lower limb orthopaedic surgery. Methods:This prospective randomized double blind study was conducted on 60 patients of American society of anaesthesiologists status I and II, posted for lower limb orthopaedic surgery. All patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 each; group BC was bupivacaine - clonidine group and group BM was bupivacaine – magnesium sulfate group. Group BC patients received 16 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine and clonidine 2mcg/kg. Group BM patients received 16 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine and magnesium sulfate (50 mg). The onset, extent, duration of sensory and motor blocks, and side effects were recorded. Results: Magnesium sulfate had earlier onset of sensory and motor block but duration of analgesia was more in clonidine group. Sedation scores were statistically significant with clonidine group in comparison to magnesium sulfate group. Conclusion: Magnesium sulfate is a better alternative to clonidine as an adjuvant to ropivacaine in epidural anaesthesia in orthopaedic lower limb surgeries for rapid onset of action but clonidine provided prolonged duration of action.

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