SPINAL NEEDLE  v/s EPIDURAL NEEDLE

SPINAL NEEDLE

EPIDURAL NEEDLE

Purpose:

It is primarily used for procedures involving the direct injection of medication into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the spinal canal. This includes procedures like spinal anesthesia and lumbar punctures.

It is used to deliver medication into the epidural space, which is outside the dura mater (the membrane covering the spinal cord). Epidurals are commonly used for pain relief during childbirth, surgical procedures, and chronic pain management.

Tip Design:

Spinal needle can have different tip designs, including Quincke (cutting), Whitacre (pencil-point), Sprotte, and others. The choice of tip design influences how the needle interacts with the dura mater during insertion.

Epidural needles typically have a blunt, non-cutting tip to help prevent unintended puncture of the dura mater. This design facilitates the placement of an epidural catheter.

Insertion Site:

It is inserted directly into the subarachnoid space, which is the space within the spinal canal that contains cerebrospinal fluid.

It is inserted into the epidural space, which is the space outside the dura mater but within the spinal canal.

Medication Delivery:

Medication administered with a spinal needle directly enters the cerebrospinal fluid, providing rapid onset and a more defined block of sensation.

Medication delivered through an epidural needle spreads through the epidural space, affecting nerve roots and providing a broader area of pain relief.

Common Uses:

Used for procedures like spinal anesthesia, lumbar punctures, and myelography.

Used for epidural anesthesia during childbirth, pain relief during surgery, and for managing chronic pain conditions.

 Catheter Placement:

Typically, a spinal needle is used for a single injection of medication (e.g., spinal anesthesia).

After initial placement, an epidural catheter is often threaded through the needle. The catheter remains in place to allow for continuous or intermittent administration of medication.