Changes in needle maneuver space and optimal insertion site for midline neuraxial puncture with progressive age: an analysis in computed tomography scans
Authors' conclusion
Needle maneuver space in midline neuraxial puncture significantly decreases with progressive age at all levels of the spine. Optimal puncture points and angles are similar between age groups.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with mid-sagittal CT images from a hospital radiology database
- Participants
- 36 / 43 / 46
- Exposure
- Age groups 21-30 vs 51-60 vs >80 years
- Yn = 36
- Mn = 43
- Oldn = 46reference
- Outcome
- Needle maneuver space: Spinal Accessibility Index (SAI; integrated puncture point–angle combinations reaching spinal or epidural space without bone contact)
Methodological detailsCT-based, virtual needle trajectory analysis, custom-made software
- CT-based
- Virtual needle trajectory analysis
- Custom-made software
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
SAI across age groups
- Spinal Accessibility Index (SAI) consistently decreased with increasing age
- Y vs M: P < 0.001-0.047
- Y vs Old: P < 0.001-0.006
- M vs Old: P < 0.001-0.028
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Changes in needle maneuver space and optimal insertion site for midline neuraxial puncture with progressive age: an analysis in computed tomography scans. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published 11 November 2023. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →