Pediatric Spine Flashcards
In spinal ultrasound, the higher the dimple or lesion,
the more likely an abnormality is present
In spinal ultrasound, the higher the dimple or lesion,
the more likely an abnormality is present
Age range for spinal ultrasound
birth - 4 months
Where should the tip of the Conus Medullaris end?
L1 or L2
What is the Filum Terminale?
echogenic band surrounded by roots of the cauda equina
Normal diameter of Filum Terminale?
What is the coccyx
3-5 rudimentary vertebrae at base of spine (cartilage at birth)
Age range for spinal ultrasound
birth - 4 months
Where should the tip of the Conus Medullaris end?
L1 or L2
What is the Filum Terminale?
echogenic band surrounded by roots of the cauda equina
Normal diameter of Filum Terminale?
What is the coccyx
3-5 rudimentary vertebrae at base of spine (cartilage at birth)
What is ventricular terminalis?
distention of distal lumbar spinal canal just before the conus medullaris (normal variant)
What is a filar cyst?
distention of distal lumbar spinal canal in the area of the filum, below the conus (normal variant)
What is a normal spinal variation that disappears after the first week?
transient dilatation of central canal
Sonographic findings of tethered cord (3)
- low-lying conus (below L2-L3)
- conus directed posteriorly
- lack of normal nerve root motion
What is syringomyelia?
-fluid-filled central canal of spinal cord, often associated with tethered cord
A fatty filum measures:
> 3mm, very echogenic
How do lipomas appear in spinal sonograms?
hyperechoic streaks or masses attached to dorsal spinal cord
What is dorsal dermal sinus tract?
dimple/opening on back at midline of the spine over the sacral area that connects to the spinal cord- risk of infection
What is pilonidal sinus/cyst?
cyst that forms at the coccyx, may contain hair and be infected
Which spine abnormality is associated with maternal diabetes?
caudal regression
Caudal Regression AKA
Sacral agenesis or Sacral hypoplasia
What is caudal regression?
abnormal development of lower spine, may result in rounded, blunt ending cord
