Pediatric Spine

Question 1

In spinal ultrasound, the higher the dimple or lesion,

Answer 1

the more likely an abnormality is present

Question 2

In spinal ultrasound, the higher the dimple or lesion,

Answer 2

the more likely an abnormality is present

Question 3

Age range for spinal ultrasound

Answer 3

birth - 4 months

Question 4

Where should the tip of the Conus Medullaris end?

Answer 4

L1 or L2

Question 5

What is the Filum Terminale?

Answer 5

echogenic band surrounded by roots of the cauda equina

Question 6

Normal diameter of Filum Terminale?

Question 7

What is the coccyx

Answer 7

3-5 rudimentary vertebrae at base of spine (cartilage at birth)

Question 8

Age range for spinal ultrasound

Answer 8

birth - 4 months

Question 9

Where should the tip of the Conus Medullaris end?

Answer 9

L1 or L2

Question 10

What is the Filum Terminale?

Answer 10

echogenic band surrounded by roots of the cauda equina

Question 11

Normal diameter of Filum Terminale?

Question 12

What is the coccyx

Answer 12

3-5 rudimentary vertebrae at base of spine (cartilage at birth)

Question 13

What is ventricular terminalis?

Answer 13

distention of distal lumbar spinal canal just before the conus medullaris (normal variant)

Question 14

What is a filar cyst?

Answer 14

distention of distal lumbar spinal canal in the area of the filum, below the conus (normal variant)

Question 15

What is a normal spinal variation that disappears after the first week?

Answer 15

transient dilatation of central canal

Question 16

Sonographic findings of tethered cord (3)

Answer 16

• low-lying conus (below L2-L3)
• conus directed posteriorly
• lack of normal nerve root motion

Question 17

What is syringomyelia?

Answer 17

-fluid-filled central canal of spinal cord, often associated with tethered cord

Question 18

A fatty filum measures:

Answer 18

> 3mm, very echogenic

Question 19

How do lipomas appear in spinal sonograms?

Answer 19

hyperechoic streaks or masses attached to dorsal spinal cord

Question 20

What is dorsal dermal sinus tract?

Answer 20

dimple/opening on back at midline of the spine over the sacral area that connects to the spinal cord- risk of infection

Question 21

What is pilonidal sinus/cyst?

Answer 21

cyst that forms at the coccyx, may contain hair and be infected

Question 22

Which spine abnormality is associated with maternal diabetes?

Answer 22

caudal regression

Question 23

Caudal Regression AKA

Answer 23

Sacral agenesis or Sacral hypoplasia

Question 24

What is caudal regression?

Answer 24

abnormal development of lower spine, may result in rounded, blunt ending cord