Accuracy of Ultrasound-Guided Needle Placement on the L5 Lumbar Nerve Root

Abstract

Objectives The aims of the study are to analyze and describe the accuracy of an ultrasound-guided approach to target the L5 root in cadaveric specimens and evaluate whether gender differences exist. Design A cross-anatomical study on 40 cadaver L5 nerve roots was performed. A needle was introduced until contacting the L5 nerve root using ultrasound guidance. After that, specimens were frozen and studied by a cross-anatomical view to see the needle’s path. The angulation, length, distance from the vertebral spine, the relevant ultrasound anatomical references, and the accuracy of the procedure were evaluated. Results The needle tip reached the L5 root at a 72.5% rate. The mean angulation degrees of the needle relative to the skin surface were 75.53 ± 10.17 degrees, the length of the needle inserted was 5.83 ± 0.82 cm, and the distance from the vertebral spine to the point of entry of the needle was 5.39 ± 1.44 cm. Conclusions An ultrasound-guided technique can potentially be an accurate technique to perform invasive procedures on the L5 root. There were statistically significant differences between males and females in the length of the needle introduced. If the L5 root is not clearly visualized, ultrasound will not be the technique of choice.