Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 7/5/2007

Question
what is the difference between a spinal and an epidural.  I am going to have knee surgery and prefer one of these two to GA.

Answer
A spinal put the anesthetic directly into the spinal canal. It is more reliable, quicker, smaller needle. An epidural goes into the space around the spinal canal. It make take longer and be harder to place (depending on your anatomy), somewaht less reliable but it allows for prolonged use including post-op pain relief. Both are acceptable techniques. If you are just having an arthroscopy, I would recommend the spinal.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston