title: Ultrasound evaluation of lumbar spine anatomy in newborn infants: implications for optimal performance of lumbar puncture.
abstract: An ultrasound evaluation of lumbar spine anatomic landmarks relevant for lumbar puncture was performed in 199 newborn infants. Effects of 6 patient positions and gestational age on interspinous process distance, subarachnoid space width, predicted needle entry angle, and needle insertion depth were assessed. Our results identify optimized conditions for lumbar puncture: sitting the infant with hips flexed, a needle entry angle of 65-70 degrees, and proper needle insertion depth (calculated as 2.5 × weight in kilograms + 6 in millimeters).
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, León, Spain. Electronic address: Ignacio.oulego@gmail.com.
authors: Ignacio
authors: I
authors: Oulego-Erroz
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, León, Spain.
authors: María
authors: M
authors: Mora-Matilla
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, León, Spain.
authors: Paula
authors: P
authors: Alonso-Quintela
authors: Neonatal Unit, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, León, Spain.
authors: Silvia
authors: S
authors: Rodríguez-Blanco
authors: Centro de Salud Ponferrada III, Ponferrada, Spain.
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Mata-Zubillaga
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, León, Spain.
authors: Santiago Lapeña López
authors: SL
authors: de Armentia
mesh_terms: D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D056888:Patient Positioning; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography