Comparing two methods of spinal anesthesia in elderly patients with hip fractures

Ultrasound Guided Midline Continuous Spinal Anesthesia in the Elderly : is There an Advantage Over Conventional Landmark Paramedian Technique: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional University Tunis El Manar · NCT06740994

This study is testing which of two methods of spinal anesthesia works better and is safer for older patients having surgery for hip fractures.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Tunis El Manar Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nabeul, Mrazga)
Trial IDNCT06740994 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of two techniques for administering continuous spinal anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures. One group will receive the conventional landmark-guided paramedian approach, while the other group will receive the ultrasound-guided midline approach. Patients over 65 years old will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups, and their outcomes will be monitored to determine which method is superior. The study will involve experienced anesthesiologists performing the procedures under controlled conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are elderly patients aged over 65 scheduled for elective surgery for hip fractures requiring continuous spinal anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to spinal anesthesia, such as allergies to local anesthetics or coagulopathy, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to safer and more effective spinal anesthesia techniques for elderly patients, potentially reducing complications and improving surgical outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested that ultrasound-guided techniques may improve safety and effectiveness in spinal anesthesia, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* all consented patients aged over 65 years old scheduled to undergo surgery for hip fracture under continuous spinal anesthesia with American Society of Anesthesiologists ASA physical status classification from I to III

Exclusion Criteria:

* contraindications to spinal anesthesia ( allergy to local anesthetic, coagulopathy, infection at the site of injection)
* previous history of lumbar spine surgery
* per operative severe complication with conversion to general anesthesia

Where this trial is running

Nabeul, Mrazga

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Spinal Anesthesia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.