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Ultrasound-assisted vs Palpation-guided Lumbar Punctures
Sponsor: The Cooper Health System
Summary
The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to determine whether ultrasound-assisted lumbar puncture improves first-needle insertion success compared with the standard palpation technique in adults undergoing a clinically indicated lumbar puncture. The primary question is whether pre-procedural ultrasound localization increases the likelihood of successful cerebrospinal fluid collection on the first needle insertion. The study will also evaluate overall procedural success, the number of needle insertions and redirections, procedure time, the need for subsequent image-guided lumbar puncture, traumatic tap, procedural and post-procedural pain, and post-dural puncture headache. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to undergo lumbar puncture using either pre-procedural ultrasound localization or standard palpation of anatomical landmarks.
Official title: Ultrasound-assisted vs. Standard Palpation Technique for Lumbar Puncture in Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Procedural Success, Efficiency, and Complications
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
132
Start Date
2026-04-25
Completion Date
2028-12
Last Updated
2026-09-17
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Ultrasound-Assisted Lumbar Puncture
Pre-procedural point-of-care ultrasound is used to identify the midline, appropriate interspinous space, and estimated needle depth. The selected insertion site is marked, after which lumbar puncture is performed using standard sterile technique and institutional protocols.
Standard Palpation-Guided Lumbar Puncture
Anatomical landmarks are identified by palpation of bony landmarks to select the lumbar puncture insertion site. Lumbar puncture is then performed using standard sterile technique and institutional protocols without pre-procedural ultrasound localization.
Locations (2)
Cooper University Hospital
Camden, New Jersey, United States
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States