• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.105-108
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• 1998

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 $C_{6\sim7}$ or $C_{7-}T_1$ 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 $C_{6\sim7}$, male $C_{7-}T_1$, female $C_{6\sim7}$ and female $C_{7-}T_1$ groups were $5.17{\pm}0.63$, $5.47{\pm}0.59$, $4.84{\pm}0.56$ and $5.01{\pm}0.60$ cm respectively. Cervical epidural depth significantly correlated with body weight, ponderal index and neck circumference. Conclusions: The distance from skin to cervical epidural space has significant relationships with weight, ponderal index and neck circumference. Although experience is important, patient's weight and neck circumference are indicating factor, of the cervical epidural depth.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.114-118
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• 1999

Backgrouds: Cervical epidural blocks were used as part of a comprehensive multimodal treatment program for patients with chronic pain in the head, neck and upper extremities. The depth of the epidural space beneth the skin surface varies at different levels of the spinal column in the same patient. It also varies from patient to patient at the same vertebral level. We studied the distance the skin to the cervical epidural space in adults patients at different intervertebral spaces. Methods: Date were gathered from 628 patients having cervical epidural block for relief of cervical and upper extrimity pain. All blocks were performed using hanging drop method after loss of resistance with saline at C5-6, C6-7, C7-T1 intervertebral space. Results: Mean distances for skin to cervical epidural space (DSES) were 5.42 cm, 5.06 cm, 4.68 cm in male, 5.00 cm, 4.61 cm, 4.10 cm in female at C7-T1, C6-7, C5-6 intervertebral space. DSES correlated with body weight, neck circumference and body mass index significantly. Conclusion: In the cervical spine, DSES varies from space to space. The longest DSES were noted at C7-T1 level in male, and the shortest DSES were at C5-6 in female. DSES has significant relationships with weight, neck circumference and body mass index.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.89-92
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• 2000

Background: The purpose of this study is to determine if there is any relationship among the distance from the skin to cervical epidural space, patients height, weight, neck circumference and body mass index (BMI). Methods: The data was collected from 219 patients who suffer acute and chronic pain from neck and upper extrmities. Cervical epidural catheterization was perfomed at the $C_{6-7}$, $C_7-T_1$ intervertebral space. The depth of the epidural space from the skin, age, height, weight and neck circumference were measured by a standard ruler and the BMI was calculated. Results: The distance from the skin to cervical epidural space at $C_{6-7}$, $C_7-T_1$ in males, and $C_{6-7}$, $C_7-T_1$ in female were $4.69{\pm}0.55$ cm, $5.24{\pm}0.61$ cm, $4.28{\pm}0.49$ cm, and $4.83{\pm}0.54$ cm, respectively. Conclusions: The results indicated that body weight, neck circumference and BMI could be a guideline for the location of the cervical epidural space.