Incidence of Post-Dural Puncture Headache with Quincke versus Whitacre Spinal Needles in Arthroscopic Knee Surgeries: A Prospective Observational Study.

Abstract

Background and Aims:Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a well-recognized complication of spinal anaesthesia and can significantly affect postoperative recovery. Needle design and gauge play an important role in determining its incidence. The incidence of Postdural puncture headache in adults, especially young adults is much higher than other age groups (14 % vs 7 %). This is because with increasing age, the dura may be less elastic and less likely to gape. The incidence of post dural puncture headache is high among patients who are mobilised early after the surgery(1). In arthroscopic knee surgeries, patients are advised early mobilisation mostly immediately 12 to 18 hours after surgery. This study includes adults in the age category of 18 to 45 years of age (younger age group) and also who have undergone arthroscopic knee surgeries where early mobilisation after surgery is done.Studies  in this population are very limited .Hence this study was undertaken to address this gap. . It would also be helpful in the proper post-operative management of adults undergoing arthroscopic knee surgeries and prevent development of postdural puncture headache.The primary objective is  to find out the incidence of post dural puncture headache following subarachnoid block using Quincke and Whitacre spinal needles among patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgeries.The secondary objective is to to compare the severity of post dural puncture headache with Quincke and Whitacre spinal needles among patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgeries.