So far , the evidence available from the studies included is insufficient to prove that neuraxial anesthesia is more effective and safer than general anesthesia for orthopedic surgery .
However , this systematic review does not rule out clinical ly important differences with regard to mortality , stroke , myocardial infa rct ion , length of hospitalization , postoperative cognitive dysfunction or pneumonia
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Taking the outcome of mortality into consideration , there is controversy about the beneficial effects of neuraxial anesthesia for orthopedic surgery .
The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of neuraxial anesthesia versus general anesthesia for  orthopedic surgery .
Comparison of the effects of spinal anaesthesia and general anaesthesia on postoperative oxygenation and perioperative mortality.
One hundred patients presenting for surgical treatment of fractured neck of femur were allocated to receive either spinal ( SAB ) or general ( GA ) anaesthesia . Before operation , the mean PaO2 was 9.04 kPa . There was a significant decrease in PaO2 of 0.68 kPa in GA group at 1 h after operation , while blood-gas values were unchanged in SAB group . Eight patients ( 15.7 % ) in GA group and five patients ( 10.2 % ) in SAB group died within 4 weeks of surgery . The difference was not statistically significant
So far , the evidence available from the studies included is insufficient to prove that neuraxial anesthesia is more effective and safer than general anesthesia for orthopedic surgery .
However , this systematic review does not rule out clinical ly important differences with regard to mortality , stroke , myocardial infa rct ion , length of hospitalization , postoperative cognitive dysfunction or pneumonia
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Taking the outcome of mortality into consideration , there is controversy about the beneficial effects of neuraxial anesthesia for orthopedic surgery .
The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of neuraxial anesthesia versus general anesthesia for  orthopedic surgery .