Proper training and use of ultrasonography facilitates lumbar puncture

Abstract

With great interest, we read the study of Line Dussourd et al. concluding that ultrasonography allows better identification of anatomical structures before performing a lumbar puncture. We cannot concur with the conclusions of the study because the authors did not visualize the conus medullaris directly, nor did they assess the individual intervertebral levels. In our commentary, we make some suggestions for improvement using ultrasound to locate the optimal site for a lumbar puncture. We do agree that neuraxial ultrasound is of great benefit for the performance of lumbar punctures. Proper training and applying the correct technique, however, is necessary for obtaining all benefits ultrasonography offers.