Management of anesthesia in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta and multiple fractures: a case report and review of the literature

Patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) usually also show osteoporosis and bone fragility. Because these defects may also be combined with an airway that is difficult to manage, abnormal platelet function, and other problems, the perioperative management of anesthesia represents a substantial challenge. Therefore, it is important to be able to predict the risks during the perioperative period and to formulate and implement specific high-quality anesthesia management plans for such patients when they experience trauma. We report the case of a 59-year-old female patient with OI who experienced trauma resulting in fractures of the left proximal humerus and right hip. She required open reduction and internal fixation of her humerus and total hip arthroplasty. However, she also had obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and an airway assessment indicated that her airway would be difficult to maintain. General anesthesia combined with a nerve block was administered. An ultrasound-guided bilateral superior laryngeal nerve block and cricothyroid membrane puncture were used to facilitate endotracheal intubation. An ultrasound-guided “hourglass-pattern” fascia iliaca block was performed for perioperative analgesia. The use of a regional block and preparation for the difficult airway access represented important and successful aspects of the management of anesthesia in this patient.