General versus Spinal Anesthetic for Hip Fracture Patients: Comparative Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines

Question

1. What is the comparative clinical effectiveness of spinal versus general anesthetic for patients with hip fractures?
2. What are the evidence-based guidelines regarding the choice of spinal or general anesthetic for patients with hip fractures?

Key Message

One randomized controlled trial, 13 non-randomized studies, and three evidence-based guidelines were identified regarding spinal versus general anesthetic for patients with hip fractures.