Use of the Tuohy needle in paramedian approach for peridural block.

IN THE paramedian approach for peridural block, as described by Bonica1 in 1956, an 18-gauge short-beveled needle (Crawford) is inserted laterally to the spinous process in a cephalad direction and approaches the ligamentum flavum in the midline. Use of the Tuohy needle for this approach has not previously been reported. This needle, because of its curved point, appears to have advantages over the Crawford needle, as described following.