Comparison of Skin - Epidural and Intervertebral Distances Measured by Ultrasonography in Sitting and Rider Position

Complication rates in epidural intervention, which can be used for both intraoperative and postoperative analgesia are higher than peripheral blocks, especially in open abdominal surgeries. In epidural intervention, correct determination of patient position, puncture site and the distance from the skin to the epidural area (skin - epidural distance) is very important in terms of preventing complications. The location of the point where the epidural intervention will be made is aimed to be determined using the anatomical surface markings in the blind technique. However, anatomical surface markings are unreliable in pregnant or obese patients and patients with anatomical variants. The use of pre-procedure ultrasonography allows obtaining information such as midline and baseline determination, skin-epidural distance measurement, increasing the success of the intervention.

The most preferred positions for epidural interventions are sitting and lateral decubitus positions. Many modifications of these positions also exist. The rider position is used in a few centers in and out of Turkey, but there is only one clinical study related to the position.