Sacrum Ultrasonography: An Accurate Alternative to Radiography for Measuring Sacral Ratio in Infants

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The aim of this study was to compare the compliance of sacrum ultrasonography with radiography for the measuring of sacral ratio in infants. Materials and Methods A total of 129 infants under the age of 6 months, who were a candidate for abdominal and/or pelvic radiographs, were assessed. Sacrum ultrasonography and radiography were performed by a single radiologist using the same device. The sacral ratio was calculated for all patients undergoing ultrasonography and radiography. Agreement between two methods was calculated by Bland-Altman's chart. Results The mean of sacral ratio was 0.70 ± 0.11 radiographically and 0.72 ± 0.05 ultrasonographically. Based on Bland-Altman's chart, the mean difference between ultrasonography and radiology was 4.6 mm (confidence intervals of 8.18 ± 5.6). Conclusion Sacrum ultrasonography could be safely used in the investigation of sacral ratio to detect sacrum abnormalities in infants.