Do we know the normal anterior-posterior diameters of the spinal cord and canal in newborns?

Abstract

Aim: We aim to reveal the normal anterior-posterior diameter of the spinal cord and canal at cervical, thoracic and lumbar levels in newborn with sonographic measurements and to create a reference value. Also, we aim to reveal whether the anterior-posterior diameter at these levels will vary with the newborn's head circumference, gender, height and weight. Thus, we aim to be one of the pioneering studies in the literature Material and Method: Statistical analysis was performed to determine normal anterior-posterior diameter for the spinal canal and spinal cord at each vertebral level, and their correlations with birth weight, length and head circumference. Results: 188 newborns were included. The mean anteroposterior spinal canal diameter in male newborns was significantly higher compared to females (9.27±0.83 vs 9.00±0.79, p=.020). There was a positive correlation between spinal cord anterior-posterior diameter and head circumference at thoracic level, which was statistically significant. There was a positive correlation between spinal canal diameter and height at thoracic level. There was a positive correlation between spinal canal diameter and weight at lumbar level. Conclusion: The establishment of the normal values for anterior-posterior diameters of the spinal cord in healthy newborns may contribute the current literature data.