Expansion
T4 at the nipple, T6 at the xiphoid, T10 at the umbilicus, L1 at the groin
Expansion
- T2 - the angle of Louis and the medial arm
- T4 - the nipple (T4 at the teat)
- T6 - the xiphoid process
- T8 - the lower costal margin
- T10 - the umbilicus (T10 at the belly button)
- T12 and L1 - the groin and inguinal region
These are used to check the block height after spinal anaesthesia, to determine the level of a spinal cord lesion, and to interpret the distribution of shingles.
Remember that the thoracic dermatomes slope downwards and forwards as they pass round the trunk, so a posterior landmark corresponds to a lower level anteriorly.