Neonatal Spine Flashcards
what gives the spine flexibility?
intervertebral disks
also create cushion and mobility
How many vertebrae are they?
33
7 cervical 12 thoracic 5 lumbar 5 sacral (fused) 4 coccygeal (fused)
What is the age limit for scanning the spine?
up to 6 months
3-4 months is ideal
Where does the spinal cord begin?
at the foramen magnum (base of the skull)
Where does the spinal cord terminate?
Upper border of L3
Lower border L1
Why do we check spinal cords in babies?
to find out where it ends
What is the lower tip of the spinal cord that comes to a point?
conus medullaris
What extends from conus to attach to the back of the coccyx?
filum terminale (long cord like thing)
What is the cauda equina?
lower nerve roots (look like fingers)
What is the single most important determination in doing a neonatal spine ultrasound?
the level of conus (ends above L2)
What is the lowest palpable rib bear vertebra?
L2
Where is the iliac crest?
L5
Where does the Thecal sac end?
about S2
What are the aspects of the normal spinal cord?
spinous processes
posterior arachnoid - dural layer (baby on stomach so posterior is first)
subarachnoid space
anterior margin of spinal cord
post margin of spinal cord
spinal cord (central echo complex)
What do the ribs do at the transverse thoracic level?
come straight out
