Real-Time Ultrasound-Guided Spinal Injection Using a Transverse In-Plane Dependent Technique: A Case Series

Ultrasound-guided (USG) spinal injection is generally performed using a paramedian sagittal oblique scan, with the patient in the lateral decubitus position, and the spinal needle inserted in-plane from the nondependent side. This report evaluated the feasibility of performing USG spinal injection, using an alternative transverse interspinous scan with in-plane needle insertion, a transverse in-plane dependent (TIPD) technique, in 30 adult patients undergoing elective surgery under spinal anesthesia. Dural puncture was successfully achieved in 29 of 30 (96.6%) patients with 2 (1-3) attempts in 5 (4-8) minutes using the TIPD technique. Multiple interspinous osteophytes accounted for technical failure in 1 patient.