lumbar /lum·bar/ (lum´bar) pertaining to the loins.
lumbar
lumbar [lum´bahr]
lum·bar (l m b r, -bär )adj. Of, near, or situated in the part of the back and sides between the lowest ribs and the pelvis. |
lumbar
[lum′bər, lum′bär]
Etymology: L, lumbus, loin
pertaining to the part of the body between the thorax and the pelvis.
lumbar [lum´bahr]
pertaining to the loins.
lumbar puncture introduction of a hollow needle into the subarachnoid space of the spinal canal, usually between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae; see also cisternal puncture. Called also spinal puncture.
It may be done for diagnostic purposes to determine the pressure within the cerebrospinal cavities, to determine presence of an obstruction to flow of cerebrospinal fluid, to remove a specimen of cerebrospinal fluid for laboratory examination, or to inject air or other contrast medium into the spinal canal to take an x-ray of the cerebrospinal system.
It may be done for diagnostic purposes to determine the pressure within the cerebrospinal cavities, to determine presence of an obstruction to flow of cerebrospinal fluid, to remove a specimen of cerebrospinal fluid for laboratory examination, or to inject air or other contrast medium into the spinal canal to take an x-ray of the cerebrospinal system.
Patient Care. Before the procedure is begun the patient is given a simple explanation of the nature and purpose of the test and is told that there is no danger of damage to the spinal cord during a lumbar puncture because the spinal cord does not extend below the second lumbar vertebra. For a cisternal puncture, the back of the neck may be shaved.
The patient is positioned so that the knees and head are flexed as much as possible and is assisted in maintaining this position during the entire procedure. A local anesthetic is injected subcutaneously to anesthetize the skin and underlying tissues. The patient should be warned not to move suddenly and told there may be a slight feeling of pressure when the puncture needle is inserted.
Strict adherence to the rules of aseptic technique is necessary to avoid the possibility of introducing microorganisms into the spinal canal. The attendant may be asked to assist in the Queckenstedt test during the lumbar puncture. This test involves compression of the veins of the neck, first on one side, then on the other and finally on both sides at once. The cerebrospinal fluid pressure is measured each time the veins are compressed. This test determines whether there is an obstruction in the spinal canal. Care must be taken that the trachea is not constricted while the neck veins are being compressed.
After the procedure the patient is observed for signs of pulse changes, respiratory difficulty, or cyanosis. These rarely occur, but headache is common and may be partially relieved by keeping the patient flat in bed for 8 hours after the procedure. An ice cap and aspirin may help alleviate the discomfort.
The patient is positioned so that the knees and head are flexed as much as possible and is assisted in maintaining this position during the entire procedure. A local anesthetic is injected subcutaneously to anesthetize the skin and underlying tissues. The patient should be warned not to move suddenly and told there may be a slight feeling of pressure when the puncture needle is inserted.
Strict adherence to the rules of aseptic technique is necessary to avoid the possibility of introducing microorganisms into the spinal canal. The attendant may be asked to assist in the Queckenstedt test during the lumbar puncture. This test involves compression of the veins of the neck, first on one side, then on the other and finally on both sides at once. The cerebrospinal fluid pressure is measured each time the veins are compressed. This test determines whether there is an obstruction in the spinal canal. Care must be taken that the trachea is not constricted while the neck veins are being compressed.
After the procedure the patient is observed for signs of pulse changes, respiratory difficulty, or cyanosis. These rarely occur, but headache is common and may be partially relieved by keeping the patient flat in bed for 8 hours after the procedure. An ice cap and aspirin may help alleviate the discomfort.
Technique of lumbar puncture. Needle is inserted between vertebrae and advanced through dura mater to the subarachnoid space. Cerebrospinal fluid is thus withdrawn from the spinal cavity.
lumbar (lumˑ·bär),
adj pertaining to the lower back area between T12 vertebra and the sacrum.
lumbar
pertaining to the loins.
lumbar epidural analgesia
see epidural anesthesia.
lumbar paralysis
paraplegia generally and specifically that due to cerebrospinal nematodiasis.
lumbar plexus
one formed by the ventral branches of the last four or five lumbar nerves in the psoas major muscle.
lumbar puncture
insertion of a needle and stylet into the subarachnoid space between the seventh lumbar vertebra and sacrum in most species except the dog, where the space between the sixth and seventh lumbar vertebrae is usually used; called also spinal puncture. A lumbar puncture may be done to measure the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid and obtain a specimen for examination, and to inject a contrast medium for special radiographic examinations such as myelography. As a therapeutic measure it is sometimes done to relieve intracranial pressure or to remove blood or pus from the subarachnoid space. A lumbar puncture also is necessary for injection of a spinal anesthetic.
lumbar spinal stenosis
see lumbosacral stenosis.
lumbar tap
see lumbar puncture (above).
lumbar vertebrae
the vertebrae between the thoracic vertebrae and the sacrum, numbering seven in dogs and cats, six in horses and cattle, and six or seven in sheep and pigs.
Patient discussion about lumbar.
Q. Lumbar stenosis - Has anyone ever had the surgical fix for this condition? This is not a simple surgery. I am worried about the final outcome and would like to find out if anyone has ever had the surgery and how they did afterwards.
A. My doctor did suggest that my pain might even increase after the surgery. I'm not sure why.
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