Ultrasonographic determination of neonatal spinal canal depth.
OBJECTIVE
To determine by ultrasound (US) the spinal canal depth (SCD) in neonates and subsequently establish a nomogram and simple formula for calculating this distance.


METHODS
116 US measurements were performed by two investigators in 105 neonates at the L3/4 intervertebral space. Both anterior and posterior spinal canal depth were measured and mid-spinal canal depth (MSCD) calculated. Measurements of intra- and interobserver variability were also performed.


RESULTS
A clear relationship was found between body weight (W, kg) and all SCD measurements in neonates. In particular, MSCD = 2.2 W + 6.89 mm (R(2) correlation coefficient 0.76), approximated by 2 W + 7 mm.


CONCLUSIONS
SCD measurements are easily determined by US in neonates, with good correlation between weight and MSCD.
Arthurs
O J
OJ
Department of Radiology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
Murray
M
M
Zubier
M
M
Tooley
J
J
Kelsall
W
W
D001724:Birth Weight; D001835:Body Weight; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008954:Models, Biological; D015588:Observer Variation; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013115:Spinal Canal / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000379:methods; D014463:Ultrasonography