Overview
Our aim is to investigate whether a novel landmark, the groove between the buttocks or the intergluteal cleft, can facilitate the identification of the neuraxial midline in obstetric patients when compared to ultrasound as the reference standard for the determination of this midline
Description
Determine if the intergluteal cleft, when compared to ultrasound as the reference standard, can be used to identify the neuraxial midline in obstetric patients
Difference in horizontal distance between the vertical lines of the intergluteal cleft and the neuraxial midline, the latter measured with ultrasound
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
- Female
- 18 years of age or older
- Gestation of 37 weeks or above
Exclusion criteria
- Acute or chronic confusional state
- Allergy to ultrasound gel
- Positive for COVID-19 and/or presence of symptoms consistent with SARS-Cov-2, such as anosmia, cough or fever
- History of previous surgery to the spine
- Scoliosis
- Unable to speak and/or understand English