Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 2/10/2007

Question
I have been advised I need arthroscopic surgery on my knee for a torn meniscus.  The surgeon suggested a spinal block for anesthesia during the procedure.  I am in process of doing some research prior to scheduling the procedure.  I suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, which is being successfully treated with CPAP.  I also suffer from periodic lower back pain/stiffness and have been told (based on x-rays) that I have narrowing between my lower vertebra (L2-L5, I believe).  My research seems to indicate the spinal block would be a good choice given the sleep apnea.  However, I have been unable to find any information on whether the narrowing between the lower vertebra where the spinal would be administered would prevent me from having a spinal block or could create potential complications in administering the anesthesia given the smaller space to work in.

I would appreciate any advice or information you could provide.  Thank you.


Answer
While spinal stenosis may make a spinal technically more difficult to perform, it can still be done. As long as you don't have any neurologic symptoms (leg weakness, tingling, etc), most anesthesiologist will still try a spinal.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston