Study of Spinal Sensory Block Height with 0.5% Heavy Bupivacaine in Elderly Patients

Background: The relationship among age, height and sensory block height in elderly patients who underwent spinal anesthesia using 0.5% heavy bupivacaine were studied. Methods: Ninety-seven elderly patients, 65 years of age or older, who were scheduled for spinal anesthesia were divided into four groups. 8 mg of 0.5% heavy bupivacaine was injected in patients who were shorter than 160 cm, and 9 mg was injected in patients who were taller than 160 cm. Then they were further divided into a 65-74 year old group and an older than 75 year old group, and the area of sensory block was compared by the age and height. Results: Sensory block height was not significantly different between the 65-74 year old group and the older than 75 year old group. Height did not correlate with sensory block height in all groups and the distribution shapes showed variable patterns. Conclusions: The effect of age and height on the spinal sensory block height in elderly patients is small.