Study on approach to lateral recess of cervical epidural space for epidural catheterization

The distance between the medial border of the two articular processes was measured by CT and MRI. At the level of C5-6-7 it was 23-25 mm(24mm on average). If the distance is 24 mm at C5-6 a tuohy needle is inserted 10 mm(24÷2-2) lateral to the midline. When the needle touches vertebral lamina, withdraw the needle 2mm and redirect it cephalad at 45-60, Resistance is encountered when the needle touches ligament flavum. When the resistance disappears, the tip of the needle has entered the lateral recess via tuohy needle. This approach was used in 45 patients with satisfactory results. In ten patients the position of the cathter was confirmed with contrast medium by CT and MRI.