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Early fetal maturity assessed from patterns of ossification in the hand and foot
Author(s) -
MaclaughlinBlack Sue,
Gunstone Anthony
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
international journal of osteoarchaeology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.738
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1099-1212
pISSN - 1047-482X
DOI - 10.1002/oa.1390050106
Subject(s) - ossification , fetus , foot (prosody) , maturity (psychological) , medicine , developmental stage , anatomy , pregnancy , obstetrics , psychology , biology , developmental psychology , linguistics , philosophy , genetics
The assessment of fetal age at death is fraught with many complications and often the determination of the maturity of the fetus is a more realistic solution to the question of fetal viability. This study examines the pattern of appearance of primary centres of ossification in the fetal hand and foot, in an attempt to construct a maturity continuum. The results show that completion of ossification in the hand precedes that in the foot and generally occurs in a more regular pattern. The method proves useful at assessing fetal maturity between the third and tenth months of intra‐uterine life. In addition, the relationship to other major centres of ossification is considered.