A method for sonographic counting of the lower vertebral bodies in newborns and infants.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the lumbosacral junction of the vertebral column can be identified with sonography in newborns and infants and thus serve as a method for counting the lumbar and sacral vertebral bodies.


METHODS
In 32 newborns and infants, the number of ossified vertebral bodies distal to the lumbosacral junction was counted with sonography and radiography.


RESULTS
Sonographic and radiographic findings agreed in 29 of 32 examinations (91%).


CONCLUSIONS
The lordotic transition at the lumbosacral junction can be identified with sonography in the majority of newborns and infants, allowing intraspinal structures to be related to a specific vertebral level.
Beek
F J
FJ
Department of Radiology, University Hospital Utrecht, The Netherlands.
van Leeuwen
M S
MS
Bax
N M
NM
Dillon
E H
EH
Witkamp
T D
TD
van Gils
A P
AP
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012447:Sacrum / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography