Anesthesia for orthopedic surgery

Abstract

Orthopedic operations rarely compromise the function of major organ systems in the same way that invasive neurosurgical, abdominal, cardiac, or thoracic procedures may. Therefore, relatively few patients die as an immediate result of orthopedic surgery, provided that they receive competent care. Nevertheless, these patients gain much from skillful management of their anesthetics. Enhanced patient comfort, fewer transfusions, a reduced rate of nerve damage, fewer infections, fewer and less severe episodes of hypotension and hypertension, lessened risk of thrornboemboli, and even a reduced death rate may all be achieved by sophisticated anesthesia management directed at the special needs of orthopedic patients.