FC Accidental Intrathecal Administration of Digoxin

metrically aligned in the spinal canal (Fig. 1a). Next, we moved each cadaver to the lateral decubitus position and noted that gravity had caused the cauda equina to shift and sag in the spinal canal (Fig. 1b). The shift was most obvious at the middle of the lumbar spinal level. The nerve roots sag like electric wires between poles. We observed these findings in all cadavers. Although cadavers and living bodies differ (e.g., cadavers lack cerebral spinal fluid, cadavers have the dura opened), we found cadaveric dissections beneficial for visualizing how changing a patient’s position will affect the cauda equina. This information may help us to better visualize where to administer local anesthesia for spinal anesthesia.