Epidural space

Epidural space is an anatomical feature present in the human body. It is the area between the dura mater, a thick membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, and the vertebral wall, containing fat and small blood vessels. The space is located just outside the dural sac and is filled with cushioning fat and a network of veins.

Anatomy

The epidural space is located in the spinal canal, which runs the length of the spine. It is bounded by the ligamentum flavum posteriorly, the vertebral body and intervertebral discs anteriorly, and the pedicles of the spine laterally. The space contains loose fatty tissue, and a network of large, thin-walled veins called the internal vertebral venous plexuses.

Clinical significance

The epidural space is clinically significant because it is a potential space that can be created to administer epidural anesthesia or analgesia. This is a common procedure in childbirth and for pain management in certain types of surgery or cancer pain. The epidural space can also be accessed for diagnostic or therapeutic spinal injections.

Epidural anesthesia

Epidural anesthesia is a form of regional anesthesia involving injection of drugs through a catheter placed into the epidural space. The injection can cause both a loss of sensation (anaesthesia) and a loss of pain (analgesia), by blocking the transmission of signals through nerves in or near the spinal cord.

Complications

Complications of epidural anesthesia can include epidural hematoma, epidural abscess, and spinal headache. These complications are rare, but can be serious. They are usually treated with medications, procedures, or surgery.

See also

• Spinal cord
• Dura mater
• Epidural anesthesia
• Epidural hematoma
• Epidural abscess

References

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