Randomized, Controlled Trial Comparing the Effectiveness of Sedation-Epidural Anesthesia to Spinal Anesthesia in Outpatient Hip or Knee Arthroplasty.

Spinal anesthesia will be performed in the sitting or lateral position under sterile conditions. Spinal puncture will be performed at L2-L4 level using 50 mg of Clorotekal 1 or 2%. (intermediate-acting amide local anesthesia, commonly used) will be injected.

Sedation-EA will be performed in the sitting or lateral position under sterile conditions. Epidural puncture will be performed at the L2-L4 level and an epidural catheter will be inserted into the epidural space. 10 ml of 2% xylocaine without epinephrine will be injected through the catheter and the dose will be titrated (up to 20 mL) to achieve complete sensory block up to T12 dermatoma measured with a level to ice.