New spinal anesthesia method could speed up recovery after joint replacement

This study looks at using a smaller dose of a lighter-than-normal numbing medicine (hypobaric bupivacaine) injected into the lowest space in the spine for hip or knee replacement surgery. The goal is to see if this approach still works well for pain control during surgery while helping patients regain feeling and movement in their legs faster afterward. About 55 adults having elective hip or knee replacement at Toronto Western Hospital will take part.