The Distance from Skin to Cervical Epidural Space

Han, Kyung Ream; Kwak, No Kil; Whang, Hyuk Ie; Kim, Ji Young; Kim, Chan; Kim, Sung Mo

Abstract

BACKGROUNDS: Cervical epidural nerve block is useful in the management of a variety of acute, chronic and cancer related pain syndromes involving the head, face, neck and upper extrimity. To safely perfom the cervical epidural block, an appreciation of the expected distance from skin to epidural space is important. We studied the distance from skin to cervical epidural space of adults to determine if any relationship exists between patient height, weight and neck circumference and the distance from skin to epidural space.
METHODS
Patients 170, suffering from neck and upper extremity pain with cervical HIVD(herniated intervertebral dics) were selected. Cervical epidural block was performed at C6-7 or C7-T1 intervertebral space. Then measured the distance from skin to epidural space and analysed the relationship between age, height, weight and neck circumference and the distance from skin to epidural space.
RESULTS
The cervical epidural depth of male C6-7 , male C7-T1, female C6-7 and female C7-T1groups were 5.17+/-0.63, 5.47+/-0.59, 4.84+/-0.56 and 5.01+/-0.60 cm respectively. Cervical epidural depth significantly correlated with body weight, ponderal index and neck circumference.
CONCLUSION
The distance from skin to cervical epidural space has significant relationships with weight, ponderal index and neck circumference. Although experience is important, patients weight and neck circumference are indicating factors of the cervical epidural depth.