The range of variation in the termination of the spinal cord.

 

    The spinal cord terminates on average at the disc between the 1st and 2nd lumbar vertebral bodies (in the adult) . However, there is considerable variation in this level. Frequently, the cord ends opposite the body of L1 or L2, or, rarely, T12 or even L3.






 The range of variation in the termination of the spinal cord.



Approximate levels of the cord segments:

Cord
segment
Vertebral
body
C8
C7
T6
T4
T12
T9
L5
T12
Sacral
L1

    Following the injection of local anaesthetics or other fluids intrathecally, the spread will be influenced in part by the curvature of the spinal canal. When hyperbaric solutions are used, the local anaesthetic will tend to gravitate towards the lowest part of spine, i.e. to the bottom of the kyphoses. In
the supine non-pregnant adult, these levels are L4 in the lumbar region and T8 in the thoracic region. In the pregnant patient, these levels are L4–5 and T6, the latter being, incidentally, an ideal dermatomal height for regional
anaesthesia for caesarean section.

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