Spinal anesthesia
Anesthesia injected into the spinal fluid to numb the lower body.
Spinal anesthesia is a single injection into the cerebrospinal fluid that numbs the lower body for 2-4 hours. Used for many lower-extremity, pelvic, and lower-abdominal procedures.
What this means for you: spinal anesthesia avoids general anesthesia risks and is often combined with light sedation for comfort. Many joint replacements use this approach.
What a term means for you depends on your own reports. Ask your treating doctor, or send your reports for a free review.