The resistance of the human dura mater to needle penetration.
METHODS
An aneroid manometer attached to a needle during lumbar puncture for spinal anesthesia was used to record the pressure in the epidural space, and an attempt was made to define the moment the needle contacted and indented the dura mater.


RESULTS
By measuring the distance the needle travelled after contact with the dura and before its actual perforation, it was determined that the dura mater indents 2-6 mm.


CONCLUSIONS
The finding indicated that the dura mater is relatively resistant to puncture.
Zarzur
E
E
Anesthesiology Service, Hospital Cristo Rei, São Paulo, Brazil.
Goncalves
J J
JJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001274:Atmospheric Pressure; D004388:Dura Mater; D004824:Epidural Space; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry / Q000295:instrumentation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles; D013129:Spinal Puncture