What is the true location of Jacoby's line?

L5-S1 disc degeneration and the anatomic parameters of the iliac crest: imaging study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the relationship between height ratio of the iliac crest to L4 (HR), width ratio of the iliac crest to L4 (WR) and L5-S1 disc degeneration.

METHODS

On T2-weighted sagittal images of the 50 randomly selected patients, two observers graded L5-S1 discs and some other parameters were measured. Then, relative signal intensity (RSI) of the L5-S1 nucleus pulposus was calculated. On anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the same 50 patients' lumbar spine, the parameters such as the height of the iliac crest were measured and then HR and WR were calculated. Finally, HR, WR and the percentage of the sROM of L5-S1 in L1-S1 segments of the other 51 randomly selected patients were calculated.

RESULTS

Positive correlations were found between HR, WR and RSI of the L5-S1 disc. Negative correlations were found between HR, WR and modified Pfirrmann scores of L5-S1 nucleus pulposus. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between HR and the percentage of sROM of L5-S1 in L1-S1 segments.

CONCLUSIONS

Low HR and (or) WR were the risk factors for L5-S1 disc degeneration. High HR could reduce the percentage of sROM of L5-S1 in L1-S1 segments and high HR and (or) WR could reduce the incidence of L5-S1 disc degeneration.

Ultrasound in obstetric anesthesia

Ultrasound has permeated the practice of anesthesiology and is becoming an essential tool for the obstetric anesthesiologist in the labor and delivery suite. The most common applications include guidance for neuraxial (epidural and spinal) anesthesia and acute pain nerve blocks, as well as guidance for central and peripheral vascular access. Obstetric anesthesiologists are becoming increasingly familiar with diagnostic applications, including transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and lung and gastric ultrasound. There is intense interest in developing standard curricula for achieving competency in ultrasound skills during residency training and expanding the role of ultrasound in education and research.