Measurement of the depth to the extradural space using ultrasound.
Seventy-five patients requesting extradural analgesia for the relief of pain in labour underwent an ultrasound scan to measure the depth to the extradural space. There was a high degree of correlation between these measurements and the subsequent depth of insertion of the Tuohy needle. The advantages of the technique in clinical practice and as an aid to teaching, are discussed.
D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D000886:Anthropometry; D004824:Epidural Space / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014463:Ultrasonography