Regional anesthesia for clubfoot surgery in children.

In children, general anesthesia is usually chosen as the primary technique during lower extremity orthopedic procedures. Certain situations or underlying conditions may be present, however, that make the conduct of general anesthesia more difficult or even relatively contraindicated. We present 10 patients with underlying conditions or circumstances that may increase the risk of general anesthesia. Regional anesthesia (spinal or epidural) was used to provide surgical anesthesia, thereby eliminating the need for general anesthesia. The techniques used and the applications of regional anesthesia during orthopedic procedures in children are discussed.