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Rider sitting position widens lumbar intervertebral distance: a prospective observational study
Melike Korkmaz Toker1, Basak Altiparmak1, Ali Ihsan Uysal2
1Mugla S..tk.. Kocman University, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Mugla, Turkey.
Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology (Elsevier)
|April 22, 2021
Summary
The rider sitting position (RSP) significantly increases lumbar intervertebral distance, facilitating lumbar neuraxial blocks. This study compared RSP, classic sitting position (CSP), and hamstring stretch position (HSP) for spinal anesthesia.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Reduced lumbar lordosis can simplify identifying intervertebral spaces.
- Lumbar neuraxial blocks are common procedures requiring precise needle placement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the L3-L4 intervertebral space in three distinct sitting positions during spinal anesthesia.
- To compare ultrasonographic measurements of ligamentum flavum depth and intrathecal space across these positions.
Main Methods:
- A single-blinded, prospective, randomized study involving 90 patients.
- Ultrasonographic measurements of intervertebral distance (IVD), skin-to-ligamentum flavum distance (DBSLF), and intrathecal space (IS) at L3-L4.
- Patients were positioned in classic sitting position (CSP), hamstring stretch position (HSP), and rider sitting position (RSP).
Main Results:
- The RSP yielded a significantly larger IVD than CSP and HSP (p < 0.001).
- The distance between spinous processes was greatest in the RSP.
- DBSLF was significantly larger in RSP compared to HSP (p = 0.009).
Conclusions:
- The RSP significantly increases the L3-L4 intervertebral distance.
- This suggests that the RSP may facilitate lumbar neuraxial block procedures.
