Comparison of three different concentrations 0.2%, 0.5%, and 0.75% epidural ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia in lower limb orthopedic surgery

Introduction: Ropivacaine has been studied previously and holds promise as an agent that offers a safe, efficacious, and better recovery profile than other conventional agents such as bupivacaine. The aim of the present study was to compare the safety and efficacy of equal volume of different concentration of ropivacaine for epidural analgesia in patients undergoing major lower limb orthopedic surgery. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and fifty adult patients were randomized into three groups to receive single dose of equal volume of ropivacaine through epidural route in concentrations of 0.2%, 0.5%, and 0.75%, respectively. All the groups received equal dose of ropivacaine of same concentration for subarachnoid block using combined spinal-epidural technique. Results: Modified Bromage Scale and Numeric rating scale was used to assess motor block and analgesia. Data analysis was done using WINDOW SPSS Student Version 17 ANOVA test. Student's t-test was performed for comparison between two groups, and qualitative data were analyzed by applying Chi-square test. Conclusion: 0.5% and 0.75% ropivacaine were sufficient and effective for intrathecal subarachnoid block as well as for postoperative analgesia with epidural use. Shorter duration of motor blockade and analgesia was seen with ropivacaine 0.2%.