J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2018 Nov;61(6):731-736. 10.3340/jkns.2016.1212.001.

Conus Medullaris Levels on Ultrasonography in Term Newborns : Normal Levels and Dermatological Findings

• Asil K
• Yaldiz M

• KMID: 2428115
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2016.1212.001

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Ultrasonography (US) is the most non-invasive, safe, and, especially in the period of infancy, best method for visualizing and examining the spinal cord. Furthermore, US is the primary work-up for development of the spinal canal, and for follow-up on issues relating to subcutaneous tissues, bone development, and the spinal cord. Conus medullaris terminates at the second lumbar vertebra, according to a consensus in the literature.
METHODS
Healthy children under the age of 6 months who were admitted to the radiology clinic for routine USG follow-ups between the dates of March 2012 to December 2014 were included in this study.
RESULTS
Our study includes data from 1125 lumbosacral ultrasounds. The terminal point of the conus level of the attended infants, superior, middle part, inferior of the vertebrae L1, L2, and L3. Furthermore, the termination of the discal distance ratio did not differ significantly between genders.
CONCLUSION
Therefore, according to our results, gender is not an influencing factor in the termination of the spinal cord. Based on the study we performed, as well as the previous literature, in infants without a recognized spinal pathology, the spinal cord is detected below the vertebra L3.

Keyword

Ultrasonography; Term birth; Conus medullaris

MeSH Terms

Bone Development
Child
Consensus
Conus Snail*
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn*
Methods
Pathology
Spinal Canal
Spinal Cord*
Spine
Subcutaneous Tissue
Term Birth
Ultrasonography*