Sacral anatomical interspace landmark (SAIL) technique Vs classical intercristal line landmark (CILL) technique- a prospective diagnostic study for accurate identification of lumbar intervertebral space in parturients.

This study is a prospective diagnostic study comparing the accuracy of Sacral Anatomical Interspace Landmark (SAIL) technique Vs Classical Intercristal Line Landmark (CILL) technique to identify L4-L5 intervertebral space in parturients.

Preoperative evaluation of parturients will be conducted for checking eligibility as per inclusion criteria. After the written informed consent, eligible parturients will be enrolled as study participants. Participants’ demographic details, medical history and relevant general physical examination will be noted. In the labour room or ward area, participants will be asked to sit to one side of a levelled streture / patient trolley with her neck, back and hips flexed. The independent anaesthesia provider well versed with the study techniques will mark all participants’ back at the estimated L4-L5 intervertebral space using the two study techniques-The Sacral Anatomical Interspace Landmark (SAIL) Technique and The classical intercristal line landmark (CILL) technique. The sequence of techniques will be randomized using the computer-generated random number table. A lumbo-sacral spine ultrasonography experienced anaesthesia provider will scan the participants’ lumbosacral spine area with the study participant sitting in the same flexed position. He/she will check actual level of clinical estimate measurements for L4-L5 intervertebral level markings done using the CILL as well as SAIL techniques.