Intraosseous needle insertion

Dr. Mohamed Haseen BashaAssistant professor

( Paediatrics)Faculty of Medicine

Al Maarefa College of Science and Technology

Indications

• Obtain emergency access in children during life-threatening

situations. cardiopulmonary arrest, shock, burns, and life-

threatening status epilepticus.

• IO line can be used to infuse medications, blood products, or

fluids.

Contraindications

• Osteogenesis imperfect • Osteoporosis • Clotting disorders.• Fractures in the target bone • Previous orthopaedic surgery near the insertion site • Previous IO insertion in the target bone within the preceding

48 hours • Infection at the insertion site

Anatomy

• The bone marrow cavity has an extensive virtually non-

collapsible vascular network which communicates directly

with the systemic circulation.

• Medications or fluids given by the IO route diffuse a few

centimetres through the medullary cavity then enter the

venous circulation.

• The IO needle should be removed once adequate vascular

access has been established.

SitesProximal Tibia• Anteromedial surface of the proximal tibia, 2 cm below and 1

to 2 cm medial to the tibial tuberosity on the flat part of the bone

Distal Tibia• Medial surface of the distal tibia 1 to 2 cm above the medial

malleolus (may be a more effective site in older children)

Distal femur

• 3 cm above the lateral condyle in the midline

Equipment required

• sterile gloves and gown

• basic dressing pack

• antiseptic to prepare the skin

• rigid needle with an inner stylet (for patients < 18 months an

18 - 20 lumbar puncture needle can be used)

• syringe with NaCl 0.9% flush

• routine IV line tubing set-up and tape

procedure

• Immobilize the extremity.

• Prepare the site with antiseptic.

• Consider need to use local anaesthetic( 0.5-1 mL 1% lignocaine )

if time permits.

• Insert the needle:Hold the needle handle in the palm of the

hand while the thumb and forefinger grip the shaft about a

centimetre from the point to stabilize the needle.

• Apply firm pressure while using a screwing or rotary action

until the bone cortex is traversed.

• Note that at approximately 1cm or less below the skin

surface, a distinct loss of resistance on entry of the bone

marrow is felt.

• Blockage of the needle may occurr if an inner stylet

is not used.

Three indicators of successful insertion

• A distinctive pop with insertion, or a give or release of

resistance is felt.

• The needle flushes without significant subcutaneous

infiltration and bone marrow is easily aspirated.

• The needle stands without support.

After successful insertion

• Once insertion is confirmed: Unscrew and remove the stylet.

• Attempt bone marrow aspiration (bone marrow can be used

as a substitute for venous blood for estimation of PCO2, pH,

Hb, electrolytes, urea, creatinine, proteins etc).

• Flush the needle with 5-10 mL of normal saline to decrease

the cellularity of the surrounding marrow, aiding subsequent

infusions.

• Attach IV tubing and commence the infusion of medications

or fluids by pump.

Absorption• Recommended intravenous rates for drugs and fluids can be

administered via the IO route and reach the central circulation

in equivalent times.

Strong alkaline and hypertonic solutions should be diluted

before use.

complications• fracture of the target bone• infection• extravasation• subperiosteal infusion• embolism• compartment syndrome• pain on use• dislodgement• skin necrosis