Consistency of ASIS Line vs. Tuffier's Line for Lumbar Level Identification (NCT07396961) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Consistency of ASIS Line vs. Tuffier's Line for Lumbar Level Identification
South Korea140 participantsStarted 2026-02-20
Plain-language summary
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.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 85 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults aged 18 to 85 years
* Patients scheduled for spinal anesthesia or lumbar ultrasound
* Participants who voluntarily agreed to participate and provided written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of spinal surgery or spinal deformity
* Infection or wounds at the puncture site
* Inability to maintain the lateral decubitus position
* Congenital lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (e.g., sacralized L5 or lumbarized S1)
* Any other condition deemed unsuitable for the study by the investigator
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Consistency of Vertebral Level Identification (Standard Deviation)
Timeframe: Day 1 (Immediately during the ultrasound examination)