A METHOD FOR SONOGRAPHIC COUNTING OF THE LOWER VERTEBRAL BODIES IN NEWBORNS AND INFANTS

PURPOSE: To determine whether the lumbosacral junction of the vertebra l column can be identified with sonography in newborns and infants and thus serve as a method for counting the lumbar and sacral vertebral b odies. METHODS: In 32 newborns and infants, the number of ossified ver tebral bodies distal to the lumbosacral junction was counted with sono graphy and radiography. RESULTS: Sonographic and radiographic findings agreed in 29 of 32 examinations (91%). CONCLUSIONS: The lordotic tran sition at the lumbosacral junction can be identified with sonography i n the majority of newborns and infants, allowing intraspinal structure s to be related to a specific vertebral level.