An observational study in Spinal Anesthesia Evaluation and Lumbar Vertebrae, sponsored by Kangbuk Samsung Hospital. Not yet recruiting at 2 sites in South Korea. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 85 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-02-09.
Sponsored by Kangbuk Samsung Hospital · Observational
Tuffier's line is commonly used as a landmark for estimating lumbar vertebral levels during spinal anesthesia. However, its accuracy can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, BMI, and posture. This study evaluates the consistency of an alternative landmark, the "ASIS line" (a line connecting both Anterior Superior Iliac Spines), for identifying lumbar levels in the lateral decubitus position. Researchers will mark both the ASIS line and Tuffier's line on participants and use ultrasound to verify the exact vertebral level where each line crosses the spine. The goal is to determine if the ASIS line provides a more consistent and reliable estimation of lumbar levels compared to Tuffier's line.
Kangbuk Samsung Hospital is the lead sponsor of 63 studies on the registry; 9 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Patients visiting the study centers (Kangbuk Samsung Hospital or St. Vincent's Hospital) who are scheduled for spinal anesthesia or lumbar ultrasound.
Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Adult patients (aged 18-85) scheduled for spinal anesthesia or lumbar ultrasound
Diagnostic Test: Lumbar Ultrasound & Palpation
Identification of vertebral levels using Tuffier's line (palpation) and ASIS line, followed by ultrasound verification.
Consistency of Vertebral Level Identification (Standard Deviation)
The specific vertebral level where the ASIS line and Tuffier's line intersect the spine will be identified using ultrasound. The lumbar spine (from L2 upper to S1 upper) is divided into segments (e.g., L2=2, L3=3, L4=4, L5=5, S1=6). The consistency of each method is evaluated by calculating and comparing the standard deviation (SD) of the identified vertebral levels.
Time frame: Day 1 (Immediately during the ultrasound examination)
Difference in Mean Intersection Level
Comparison of the mean vertebral levels identified by the ASIS line versus Tuffier's line to determine if there is a significant difference in the average level indicated.
Time frame: Day 1
Rate of Identification within L4-L5 Interspace
The percentage of cases where the identified line falls within the target L4-L5 interspace (or within ±1 interspace range).
Time frame: Day 1
Plan to share: No
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Jan 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Kangbuk Samsung Hospital