Does Static Ultrasound-Preview Reduce the Incidence of Difficult Lumbar Puncture?

Does Static Ultrasound-Preview Reduce the Incidence of Traumatic and/or Difficult Lumbar Puncture? A Randomized Control Trial

Does the use of ultrasound facilitate a lumbar puncture by reducing the number of difficult and traumatic lumbar punctures?

This is a controlled trial randomizing lumbar puncture patients to groups utilizing ultrasound to preview the bony structures of the spine versus using standard palpation technique. The goal is to determine the helpfulness of ultrasound in performing lumbar punctures (to reduce difficult and traumatic lumbar punctures) among patients whose spines cannot be easily visualized.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age greater than 18
• Clinical need for lumbar puncture
• Unable to visualize spine in position for the lumbar puncture

Exclusion Criteria:

• Able to visualize the spinous processes