Abstract
Ultrasound-guided intrathecal administration of nusinersen has been demonstrated to be a valuable method for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients with scoliosis. However, limited data analysis on the ultrasound (US) assisted location process is reported. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using US assisted location in SMA patients with scoliosis. From October 2022 to June 2023, we retrospectively reviewed data from 15 SMA patients with scoliosis. The first locating success rate, locating time, puncturing time, the number of puncture attempts and pain scores were recorded. Furthermore, the correlations between body mass index (BMI) and Cobb angle with the outcomes were investigated. 15 SMA patients with scoliosis were included in this study. The rate of first locating success is 73.3% (11/15). The success of US-guided lumbar puncture was achieved in 61 out of 62 procedures (98.4%), in 14/15 patients (93.3%). The average positioning time was 9.9 ± 7.9 min. Mild complications were reported in two patients. No serious adverse events were observed. In conclusion, US assisted location exhibits a high success rate, deserving further clinical promotion and application.