Clinical Research Directory

The ultrasound probe will be placed perpendicular to skin along the midline of lumbar spinous process on longitudinal view first to count the lumbar level. The midpoint of each lumbar level will be marked on the longitudinal view and then will be rotated ninety degrees counter clockwise to axial view to locate the facet joint and the transverse process of lumbar spine. A #22 gauge 10cm long Quincke spinal needle will be inserted to the target area using in plane approach on the axial view. Then the probe will be rotated ninety degrees clockwise to longitudinal view to ensure needle tip is placed on the cephalad aspect of the transverse process. It will then be immediately confirmed by C-arm fluoroscopy on oblique view.

The target point is the superior medial aspect of transverse process of lumbar spine from L3 to S1. A #22 gauge 10cm long Quincke spinal needle will be use for needle placement. Needle placement will be visualized with ultrasound. Practice on cadavers with 3 different operators and see if results are reproducible. Verify with fluoroscopy.