Performing Spinal Ultrasounds on Babies with Simple Sacral Dimples in a Regional Neonatal Centre

Anecdotally in our centre parents reported anxiety on waiting for results of spinal ultrasounds, so this study’s objective was to investigate the number of spinal ultrasounds performed and the indications for performing them on babies under six months of age in our regional neonatal centre. It also aimed to investigate the frequency of abnormal ultrasound results.

Methods: The radiology imaging management system was used to provide cases for a retrospective review of cases of spinal ultrasound performed on infants aged less than six months in our centre. All data recorded was anonymised.

Results: Just over 1% of babies (n=32) who were born in the preceding calendar year underwent a spinal ultrasound. Infants ranged in age from 3 days to 6 months. A sacral dimple was the most common reason for requesting a spinal ultrasound with 65.6% (n=21) performed for this reason. Over 12% (n=4) of scans were performed for spinal haemangiomas. Just over 81% (n=26) of scans detected no anomaly. Three (9.4%) scans were abnormal, with all three having cord tethering: none of these infants had only a sacral dimple or a tuft of hair. All three babies were referred for neurosurgical review and as of yet no baby has required intervention.

Conclusions: The most common reason for performing spinal ultrasounds in our regional paediatric and neonatal centre is still sacral dimples and all ultrasounds performed for this reason were normal. We plan to create a local guideline to prevent unnecessary imaging of babies with simple sacral dimples.