Fetal Anatomy: Morphometry of Vertebral Canal and Spinal Cord of Cervical Region in Human Fetuses.
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Date
2016-05
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Abstract
Background: Fetal anatomy is now becoming popular with advancement in fetal surgery in-utero. The knowledge
regarding the embryonic development of vertebral canal plays an important role in diagnosis of congenital anomalies as
well as fetal surgeries of the vertebral canal. Methods: Sixty fetuses which were preserved in 10% formalin were
divided into five groups according to the gestational age. Spinal cord was exposed by opening vertebral canal from
behind by laminectomy. The parameters like length of cervical part of vertebral canal, transverse diameter of canal at
different vertebral levels, transverse and antero-posterior diameter of spinal cord were measured. Results: All
parameters of cervical vertebral canal i.e. length of vertebral canal, transverse diameters at different vertebral levels
exhibited a stable but variable rate of growth with advancing gestational age. Similarly, the parameters of spinal cord,
antero-posterior and transverse diameters of spinal cord at upper, middle and lower vertebral levels revealed similar
growth pattern with increasing gestational age. Conclusion: These measurements prove to be helpful in deciding the
age of the fetus, early diagnosis of congenital disease and in utero fetal surgeries.
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Keywords
Cervical, Fetal, Morphometry, Spinal cord, Vertebral canal
Citation
Arora Mani. Fetal Anatomy: Morphometry of Vertebral Canal and Spinal Cord of Cervical Region in Human Fetuses. Annals of International Medical and Dental Research. 2016 May-June; 2(3): 128-131.