IMPLICATIONS FOR DETERMINING FETAL MATURITY: A PATTERN OF PRINCIPAL OSSIFICATION SITES IN THE HAND AND FOOT BONES OF FETUSES
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Keywords
Fetal maturity, Ossification patterns, Hand bones, Foot bones
Abstract
Fetal maturity is one of the most important key components in prenatal care giving evidence on fetal growth and well-being. The goal of this study is to establish a comprehensive pattern of ossification in the bones that constitute human fetal hands and feet, thereby constructing an easy-to-use reference guide to help assess gestational age.
The study included a total of 55 fetuses, with gestational ages ranging from eight weeks to nine months. Specimens were fixed in 70% alcohol before they were processed following a modified Staples and Schnell technique. All the ossification centers were identified through clearing and staining techniques followed by radiographic analysis from six to nine months of gestation.
The research showed how ossification commences, in the order of metacarpals at nine weeks, proximal phalanges at ten weeks, middle phalanges at fourteen weeks and terminal phalanges back to nine weeks. Ossification begins in the foot bones following a similar sequence. Female fetuses ossify first as compared to males while the right side bones develop first than left side ones. The carpal and tarsal bones have no ossification centers until six months of gestation.
The results highlight the importance of skeletal differentiation in assessing fetal maturity. A definite timetable for osteogenesis establishes an accurate basis for estimating post-conception age and identifying developmental abnormalities thereby enhancing prenatal care. It is important that future studies be conducted to investigate genetic and environmental influences on bone development patterns as well as their long-term implications.
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Dr. Guntha Chinna Nagaraju
Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, MNR Medical College, Fasalwadi, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
Dr. P. Moula Akbar Basha
Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Fathima Medical College, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
Dr. Naushad Hussain
PG student 2nd year, Department of Anatomy, MGM medical College Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India
Dr. Sairavi Kiran Biri, Professor
Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Fakir Mohan Medical College, Dumka, Jharkhand, India
Dr. Vijay Kumar, Professor
Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Laxmi Chandravansi Medical College and Hospital, Palamu, Jharkhand, India
Dr. Subir Kumar
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Phulo Jhano Medical College, Dumka, Jharkhand, India