Comparative study between ultrasound determination and clinical assessment of the lumbar interspinous level for spinal anesthesia.

Background: The aim of the current study is to compare the accuracy of the ultrasound (US) versus clinical assessment for determination of the spinal level, using X-ray as the Gold Standard for control.

Methods: 200 patients were randomized into two equal groups. Patients in the Clinical Group were examined by landmarks to assess the Assumed Clinical Tuffier's Line, and then by fluoroscopy to determine the True Clinical Tuffier's Line.