Loading...
Researchers determined the optimal angle of needle insertion for lumbar puncture in a convenience sample of 36 children (age range, 0 to 12 years) who presented to an academic children's hospital. Sonographers used a high-frequency linear transducer at the L3–L4 and L4–L5 levels to determine the orientation of the spinous processes with respect to the overlying skin with each patient in both the lateral recumbent and sitting positions used for lumbar puncture (JW Emerg Med May 21 2010).
Overall, the mean optimal insertion angle — measured from the plane of the skin to the desired orientation of the needle — did not differ significantly between the lateral recumbent and sitting positions (55° and 58°). The mean optimal insertion angle was mor…