Abstract: Abstract: Dexmedetomidine, or 4 - [(1S) - 1 - (2, 3-dimethylphenyl)ethyl] - 1H-imidazole, with molecular formula C13H16N2, is a highly selective alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist with multiple pharmacological properties and has been fully applied in the field of anesthesia. Orthopedic surgeries often result in more severe trauma and postoperative pain compared to other procedures, with more complications and even affecting prognosis of patients. Due to its sedative, analgesic, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and anti-sympathetic effects, dexmedetomidine has little impact on respiratory and circulatory systems. In recent years, the application of dexmedetomidine in orthopedic surgery has become more comprehensive and in-depth. This article introduces the application and research progress of dexmedetomidine in orthopedic surgery including analgesia, anti-inflammation, sedation, intraoperative arousal, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, dosage and adverse reactions, hoping to guide further clinical applications and researches.

Key words: anesthesia, surgical procedures, operative, bones, pain, dexmedetomidine