Aim : To compare clinical and anaesthetic features of racemic bupivacaine and levobupivacainewhen intrathecally administered in 130 patients undergoing lower limb orthopaedic surgical procedures.

Materials and Methods:Its a prospective, double blind study,in which 130 patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group–I receiving isobaric Levobupivacaine 0.5%  while Group–II receiving isobaric bupivacaine 0.5% (3 ml)  intrathecaly at L3 –L4  level through 25 g spinal needle , 65 patients in each group. Sensory and motor blockades were evaluated by the pinprick test and a modified Bromage score, respectively. Vital parameters, postoperative VAS and rescue analgesia were recorded as well.

Results:No significant difference was observed in duration of sensory block, onset and duration of motor block ,the mean durations of 2 segment regression, total duration of analgesia, and meanVAS score .Hypotension was significantly observed in group B  as compared to group A. There was no significant difference in number of patients experiencing episodes of bradycardia and respiratory distress.

Conclusions: Intrathecal isobaric levobupivacaine shows good results with  hypotensive patient.