• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.126-129
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• 1996

Background: Advantages of paramedian approach over midline approach include less tissue trauma and less dependence on patient's ability to assume a fetal position. When midline approach fails in patients who are difficult to take a position with lumbar spine flexed, paramedian approach to interlaminar space may succeed. Methods: Success rates of spinal anesthesia were measured for 47 flexed patients by midline approach, 48 flexed patients by paramedian approach, 23 straightened patients receiving spinal anesthesia by midline approach, and 23 straightened patients by paramedian approach. Results: Success rates in flexed patients were 100% by midline approach and 100% by paramedian approach. Success rates for straightened patients were 13.0% by midline approach and 78.3% by paramedian approach. For straightened patients there were no correlations between success fate and age, weight, Ponderal Index but there were correlations between height and midline approach of spinal anesthesia. Conclusion: Pertaining to adult Koreans, success rates of spinal anesthesia for strainghtened patients were less than those for flexed patients. Success rate of paramedian approach of spinal anesthesia among strainghtened patients were better than those of midline approach.