Technical characteristics of lumbar puncture with Quincke-style needle

The aim of the study was to clarify factors influencing Quincke-style needle course during lumbar puncture. Contribution of the needle gauge into the amount and direction of the needle deviation was also investigated. Several tests on the isolated osteo-ligamentous preparation of lumbar spine segment fixed with formalin were undertaken. Other tests involved using of raw potato fragment bar shaped and 40 mm wide as model of interspinous ligament. In total the work included 12 measurements performed at different entry needle angles on the natural and simulating preparations. Found mechanisms allow to suggest more effective approach in predetermining needle trajectory and so to increase rate of successful spinal punctures with Quincke-style needle

lumber spine segment, Quincke-style needle, trajectory of needle advancement