American Journal of Neuroradiology, Vol 16, Issue 3 469-472, Copyright © 1995 by American Society of Neuroradiology
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Ultrasound determination of the normal location of the conus medullaris in neonates
CA Hill and PJ Gibson
Department of Neuroradiology, Atkinson Morley's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
PURPOSE: To establish the normal range of the position of the conus medullaris in neonates and determine whether it differs from that in adults. METHODS: One hundred five healthy neonates born over an 18-day period in a single obstetric unit had ultrasound examinations of their lower spines to relate the conus medullaris to the nearest intervertebral disk or midvertebral level. RESULTS: The mean position of the conus was midway between the L1-2 disk and mid-L-2 body, ranging from T-12/L-1 to L-3, with the modal position being L1-2 (47.6%). A small but significant rise in position from 33 to 42 weeks postconceptual age was identified. Comparison with data previously reported from adults showed a small but highly significant difference in conus position of approximately 0.25 vertebral levels. DISCUSSION: Our data confirm studies suggesting that ascent of the cord after birth is minor.
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