Impact of spinal needle size and design on post-dural puncture headache: A narrative review of literature

Abstract

Background: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a well-known iatrogenic complication of lumbar puncture. The main modifiable risk factors of PDPH appear to be needle size and design, which have been extensively modified in an effort to lower the incidence of PDPH. Currently, there is no consensus on the ideal needle tip for lumbar puncture. Therefore, we have conducted this narrative review of literature to provide a more definite answer regarding the impact of spinal needle size and design on PDPH. Methods: Relevant literature was obtained by searching the scientific literature using PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar for from 1990 to July 2022. Results: Both size and design have been extensively researched in numerous randomized controlled trials. A total of seven systematic reviews published since 2016 were reviewed: Five combined with meta-analyses of which two also with a meta-regression analysis, one combined with a network meta-analysis, and one Cochrane review. Discussion and Conclusion: The evidence presented in this review consistently shows that the atraumatic design is less likely to cause PDPH than the traumatic design. There is no simple linear correlation between smaller needle size and lower incidence of PDPH in either needle type. In lumbar puncture for spinal anesthesia we advise the 26G atraumatic spinal needle as the preferred choice, as it is the least likely to cause PDPH and the most likely to enable successful insertion. If unavailable, the 27-gauge atraumatic needle is the next best choice.