International Journal of Orthopaedics Sciences

Is intercrestal line and level of spine are same clinically and radiologically

2019, Volume 5 Issue 1

Is intercrestal line and level of spine are same clinically and radiologically

Author(s): Dr. Madamanchi Harsha, Dr. Eswara Reddy G and Dr. Arun HS
Abstract: 
Background: The line joining the iliac crest superiorly and posteriorly is known as Intercrestal line. Various studies described that it crosses in the midline at L4–L5 intervertebral disc space level. Relationship of spinal level on palpation and imaging the iliac crest intercrestal line is not the same in particular the L4–L5 interspace.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the spinal level identified through palpation and imaging the iliac crest intercrestal line in adults.
Materials and Methods: Patients included low back pain undergoing epidural steroid injection at RL Jalappa Hospital and Research Center, between October 2018 to January 2019. Iliac crest posterio-superiorly was palpated by the authors and the intercrestal line was drawn, then followed by imaging, the level of the spine in the midline identified and were recorded and compared.
Results: Our study shows that on palpation the L3-4 spinal level in 27 patients (48.2%) and L4 spinal level in 22 patients (39.2%) whereas on imaging the L4 spinal level in 33 patients (58.9%) and L4–5 spinal levels in 21 patients (37.5%), the intercrestal line formed through palpation tended to identify higher levels. On both methods the same level observed in 10.7% (6 patients) only.
Conclusion: Palpation and imaging method of iliac crest intercrestal line are the two methods to identify the spinal level. Clinically, the palpation of the intercrestal line to identify the L3–4 and L4 spinal levels rather than the L4 or L4–5 levels, particularly in patients with high BMI (body mass indices).
Pages: 183-185  |  1280 Views  121 Downloads
How to cite this article:
Dr. Madamanchi Harsha, Dr. Eswara Reddy G, Dr. Arun HS. Is intercrestal line and level of spine are same clinically and radiologically. Int J Orthop Sci 2019;5(1):183-185. DOI: 10.22271/ortho.2019.v5.i1d.34
 
International Journal of Orthopaedics Sciences
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