Neonatal Spine

Spinal cord in sagittal tapers to a point known as

conus medullaris

Spinal cord in sagittal view - inferior to the end of the spinal cord is _______ (echogenic strands) and spinal nerve roots _______

Filum terminale and cauda equina

The lower nerve roots together are called the

cauda equina

How many lumbar vertebrae are there typically?

5

Central echo complex or central canal

The filum is thought to be thick when measuring greater than ___?

2 mm

Dilation of the central canal which may be diffuse or focal is called ______

Hydromyelia

Which mode of ultrasound may be used to document the synchronized oscillations of the cauda equina and spinal cord?

M-mode

_________ refers to a cystic herniation protruding from the lower spine of an infant, which contains elements of the spinal cord?

Myelomeningocele

_________ is a condition in which there is sagittal division of the spinal cord into two hemicords?

Diastomyelia

Sonographic appearance - some cases open spinal disorders can be demonstrated as a(n) _______ mass continuous with the spinal canal through a defect in the spine

Anechoic

List two neurologic deficits that can be caused by a tethered spinal cord?

• Bladder and bowel problems (incontinence)

• Sexual dysfunction

• Weakness and loss of sensation below the defect

• Inability to move the lower legs (paralysis)

• Orthopedic malformations such as club feet or problems of the knees or hips

• Reflex changes

Name 2 mid-line lumbosacral skin abnormalities that can signal an unsuspected tethered spinal cord

• Tuft of hair

• Sacral dimple

• Hemangioma

• Skin color change

Coccygeal segments (coccyx), cord, T12, Conus medullaris, Filume terminale, L1, L5, S5, S1, Pedicles, Nerve roots (cauda equina), Central canal (central echo complex)