Neuraxial Sonoanatomy — Refresher

A Quick 101:

1. Neuraxial ultrasound is primarily based on imaging of spinal bone structures; improved depth of field is of paramount importance with the resolution being of lesser concern.
2. Bone is a specular reflector meaning the ultrasound wave reflects similarly to optical reflections; the angle of incidence is approximately equal to the angle of reflection. Only when the bone surface is perpendicular to the ultrasound transmit beam is the reflected energy received by the ultrasound system.

It’s important that sonoanatomy be understood independently of Accuro’s 3D automation.

Here are two patterns to recognize: