Predictive Value of Interpeduncular Distance Measurement in Children

Abstract

The value of measurement of the interpeduncular distance (IPD) in the investigation of a suspected pathologic intraspinal lesion was assessed in a series of 55 children referred for myelography from a university department of paediatrics. An IPD exceeding +2 SD was almost always associated with skeletal abnormality. Myelography disclosed pathologic lesions in two-thirds of 14 such patients. When no skeletal malformation was present, a large IPD (i.e. exceeding +2 SD) was found as expected. Myelography disclosed pathologic lesions in 2 of 6 such patients. Among 31 patients with normal IPD measurements 8 had pathologic lesions. Measurement of IPD may be of little value in the investigation of intraspinal changes in the lumbar region in children.

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