Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical success and complication rates of image-guided lumbar puncture (IGLP) and to evaluate for differences in approach employed to help establish the optimum technique.
Methods: A retrospective search of the hospital picture archiving and communications system was performed to identify all IGLPs that had taken place over a 5-year period. Radiology reports and the electronic medical record were examined to identify technical parameters and complications associated with each procedure.
Results: The technical success rate was 96% (219/228). 69.4% (n = 161) had a previously failed bedside attempt. The rate of complications was 0.01% (n = 2). No major complications were observed. There was no difference in the rates of failure (2.4% vs 3.6%, p = 0.68) or complications (0.008% vs 0.012%, p = 1) between interlaminar and interspinous approaches.
Conclusion: IGLP is a safe procedure with a high rate of technical success. Where a difficult bedside attempt is anticipated, it is reasonable to forego this and proceed directly to IGLP.
Advances in knowledge:: This paper helps to confirm what is already assumed about a common radiological procedure. This is important as there has been a shift from bedside technique to most lumbar punctures being performed via image guidance.