Different formulas have been developed using body weight to calculate the distance (D) from the skin to the lumbar epidural space:
Depth(mm) = (weight in kg + 10) x 0.8
For example, in a 20-kg child the Depth would be calculated as follows: (20 + 10) 0.8
(30) 0.8 = 24 mm or 2.4 cm distance to the epidural space.
An alternative simpler approximation is Depth (mm) = 1 mm/kg body weight.
So in the 20-kg child D would be 20 mm or 2 cm
Suresh S, Wheeler M. Practical pediatric regional anesthesia.
Anesthesiol Clin North Am 2002;20(1):83–113.
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