Newborn Spine/Sacral Ultrasound
Safe, early screening for sacral dimples and spinal cords in infants.
A specialized, non-invasive ultrasound scan to investigate sacral dimples, hair tufts, or lower back pits in newborns, checking for tethered cord.
Book your baby's spine & sacral ultrasound below.
Specialist Newborn Spine and Sacral Diagnostics
A small pit, dimple, or patch of hair on a newborn's lower back (above the buttocks crease) is called a sacral dimple. While most are simple, benign pits, some can indicate an underlying spinal cord abnormality (such as a tethered spinal cord or spina bifida occulta). Because the infant spine is not yet hardened into bone, ultrasound can easily see the spinal cord through the skin.
At LifeScan Malta, our consultant radiologists perform infant spine scans in the first few months of life, providing a completely safe, radiation-free check and same-day reports.
Spinal Cord Scan
Tethered Cord Screening
We visualize the lower spinal canal to evaluate:
- The position of the conus medullaris (the lower end of the spinal cord)
- Presence of a tethered cord (where the cord is abnormally pulled or attached)
- Checking the filum terminale thickness and movement of the nerve roots
Who Needs This Scan?
Lower Back Markers
Newborn spine scans are typically requested to investigate:
- A deep sacral dimple (especially if located high above the buttock crease)
- A skin tag, discoloration, or hair tuft on the lower spine
- Any abnormal deviation of the gluteal crease in babies
Simple Preparation Guidelines
- Best Timing: This scan must be performed in the first 3 to 4 months of life, before the vertebrae harden into bone and block the ultrasound waves.
- Feeding: Feed your baby just before the appointment. A warm, fed baby will usually lie happily on their tummy during the scan.
- Clothing: Wear clothes that are easy to remove from the back/waist area.
Transparent, Dynamic Pricing
At LifeScan Malta, we believe in transparent pricing without surprises.
Because our booking fees are dynamic and subject to adjustments, the current up-to-date scan price is displayed directly in the booking widget below.
Prices are kept current in our digital calendar system so you never have to worry about outdated price lists on our pages.
Book Your Newborn Spine/Sacral Ultrasound
Select an appointment time below. Your appointment will be handled by our consultant specialists.
Why Choose LifeScan?
Experience board-certified expertise, same-day reporting, and state-of-the-art imaging.
Radiation-Free Spine Scan
Safe and non-invasive ultrasound imaging, avoiding the need for MRI or CT scans in young babies.
Specialist Consultant Scanning
Every scan is performed on-site by a consultant radiologist with specialist paediatric experience.
Immediate Written Results
Findings are explained during the exam, and a formal written report is emailed on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Newborn Spine/Sacral Ultrasound.
What is a 'tethered spinal cord'?
A tethered spinal cord is a condition where the lower end of the spinal cord is attached or stuck to the surrounding tissues, restricting its normal movement as the baby grows.
Is the scan painful?
No. The baby lies on their tummy. Warm gel is applied, and the probe is gently slid down their lower back. Most babies remain asleep or relaxed.
What happens if the dimple is 'deep'?
If the scan shows a simple, closed dimple that does not connect to the spinal canal, it is declared benign, and no further steps are needed.