The POCUS Poke: Using POCUS for Difficult Lumbar Punctures

Lumbar punctures can be technically challenging, particularly in patients with obesity or difficult anatomy. In this lecture, Joshua Guttman, MD reviews how point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can be used to improve lumbar puncture success, reduce patient discomfort, and increase procedural confidence. This lecture focuses on the static ultrasound-guided technique, including: Identifying midline and interspinous spaces Choosing the appropriate transducer Marking technique using transverse and sagittal planes Estimating depth to the dural space Selecting the appropriate needle length Using ultrasound when surface landmarks are not palpable 👉 Explore the full Peachtree POCUS course catalog: https://peachtreepocus.com/lectures