Inadvertent neuraxial block placement at or above the L1-L2 interspace in the super-obese parturient: a retrospective study

Lumbar epidural, or less commonly, intrathecal, catheters are placed for labor analgesia as well as for surgical anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Dural puncture at or above the level of the conus medullaris carries the risk of damage to the spinal cord. Neurological complications associated with dural puncture at or above the level of the conus medullaris have been reported and can be devastating.1,2 The conus medullaris most commonly ends at the lower third of the L1 vertebral body when assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and is located below the L2/L3 intervertebral disc in fewer than 3% of adults.
Source: International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research