Open AccessGrowth of the foramen magnum in achondroplasia
Author(s) -
Hecht Jacqueline T.,
Horton William A.,
Reid Cheryl S.,
Pyeritz Reed E.,
Chakraborty Ranajit
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
american journal of medical genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1096-8628
pISSN - 0148-7299
DOI - 10.1002/ajmg.1320320421
Subject(s) - achondroplasia , foramen magnum , sagittal plane , endochondral ossification , medicine , anatomy , surgery , cartilage
Foramen magnum growth curves in achondroplasia and in the general population are presented. The achondroplastic foramen magnum is small at birth, and during the first year it has a severely impaired rate of growth especially in the transverse dimension. This markedly diminished growth results not only from abnormal endochondral bone growth but also because of abnormal placement and premature fusion of the synchondroses. Evaluation of the foramen magnum in achondroplasia should address absolute size of the transverse and sagittal dimensions, shape, and growth centers to determine growth potential of this area.