In a typical adult, the spinal cord terminates at L1 (L3 in infants). The L4/5 interspace, the site often used for spinals and epidurals, is typically at the level of the iliac crest.
Normal oblique view of L spine: “Scotty Dog Sign”
- Transverse process: nose
- Pedicle: eye
- Inferior articular facet: front leg
- Superior articular facet: ear
- Pars interarticularis: neck
This view can be utilized when attempting to complete a medial branch nerve block. The nerve typically lies at the junction of the transverse process and the superior articular process.
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