Three-dimensional sonographic evaluation of the infant spine: preliminary findings.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to evaluate normal spinal anatomy in neonates and infants as seen by 3-dimensional sonography (3D US), to determine the value of 3D US in the evaluation of occult spinal dysraphia in infants, and to correlate the findings of 3D US with those of 2-dimensional sonography (2D US) and MRI, when available.

Methods: We used 2D US and 3D US to examine the lumbosacral spine in infants with cutaneous stigmata, syndromes associated with spinal dysraphia, and abnormal radiographs. We also evaluated, as controls, healthy infants who had no markers of spinal abnormality.