Background: Lower limb orthopedic surgeries demand anesthetic techniques that provide reliable intraoperative conditions, hemodynamic stability, and effective postoperative analgesia. Unilateral spinal anesthesia (ULSA) and ultrasound-guided combined sciatic–femoral nerve block (SFNB) are two established regional techniques for this purpose, yet direct comparative data—particularly in the Indian setting—remain limited. Methods: A prospective, randomized comparative study was conducted over 15 months (October 2024– December 2025) at the Department of Anaesthesiology, Pacific Institute of Medical Sciences, Udaipur. Seventy patients aged 18–65 years, ASA physical status I–III, scheduled for elective unilateral lower limb orthopedic surgery were randomized into Group A (ULSA, n=35) and Group B (ultrasound-guided SFNB, n=35). Group A received intrathecal 15 mg of 0.75% hyperbaric ropivacaine; Group B received ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block (20 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine) and sciatic nerve block (20 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine). Hemodynamic parameters, block characteristics, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores, time to first rescue analgesia, 24- hour analgesic consumption, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects were recorded and compared. Results: Both groups were demographically comparable at baseline (p>0.05). ULSA provided significantly faster onset of sensory block (7.29±1.72 vs 17.74±1.62 min; p<0.01) and motor block (8.94±2.14 vs 22.63±1.75 min; p<0.01). SFNB provided significantly longer sensory block duration (313.63±65.79 vs 181.37±15.70 min; p<0.01) and motor block duration (283.63±65.79 vs 137.94±9.03 min; p<0.01). Transient but significant intraoperative hypotension occurred in Group A at 20–30 minutes (DBP: 54.54±5.00 vs 69.63±4.97 mmHg; p<0.01). Time to first rescue analgesia was significantly prolonged in Group B (513.63±65.79 vs 210.29±18.20 min; p<0.01). NRS scores were significantly higher in Group A from 4 hours onward (p<0.01). Urinary retention was more frequent in Group A (5 vs 1 patient); minor hematoma occurred exclusively in Group B (4 patients). Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided SFNB provides superior hemodynamic stability and significantly prolonged postoperative analgesia compared to ULSA, while ULSA offers faster onset of blockade. SFNB is particularly advantageous in patients with cardiovascular risk or where sustained postoperative analgesia is a clinical priority.
Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming healthcare delivery and medical education worldwide. Despite rapid technological advancement, the integration of AI into undergraduate medical education in India remains limited. Understanding awareness, acceptance, and adaptability toward AI among medical trainees and faculty is essential for successful curriculum integration. Objective: To assess the need for integrating AI in medical education and identify factors influencing acceptance and intention to use medical AI using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) framework. Methods: A longitudinal interventional study was conducted among 210 participants, including medical interns and faculty members at Pacific Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur, India. Participants underwent five structured workshops on AI applications in medical education. A validated web-based questionnaire was administered before and after intervention. Variables assessed included awareness, ethical concerns, adaptability, and UTAUT2 constructs. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v29.0. Paired t-test, chi-square test, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analyses were used. Results: Post-intervention awareness scores significantly improved from 2.91 ± 0.72 to 4.08 ± 0.61 (p < 0.001). Behavioural intention toward medical AI increased significantly following the workshop sessions (3.02 ± 0.68 vs. 4.11 ± 0.56; p < 0.001). Performance expectancy (β = 0.34, p < 0.001), facilitating conditions (β = 0.28, p = 0.002), trust (β = 0.25, p = 0.004), and hedonic motivation (β = 0.19, p = 0.01) were significant predictors of behavioural intention. Technology fear negatively influenced AI adoption (β = −0.21, p = 0.006). Ethical concerns regarding data privacy and bias remained high despite improved acceptance. Conclusion: Medical interns and faculty demonstrated improved awareness, adaptability, and acceptance of AI following structured educational intervention. UTAUT2 constructs significantly predicted intention to use medical AI. Integration of AI-focused educational modules within medical curricula may enhance future readiness of healthcare professionals in India.
