Ultrasound Using the Transverse Approach to the Lumbar Spine Provides Reliable Landmarks for Labor Epidurals

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound imaging of the spine has recently been proposed to facilitate identification of the epidural space. In this study, we assessed the accuracy and precision of the transverse approach, using a "single-screen" method, to facilitate labor epidurals. METHODS: We enrolled 61 patients requesting labor epidurals. Ultrasound imaging (transverse approach, 2-5 MHz curved array probe) identified the midline, the intervertebral space, …