Temporal mapping of the closure of the anterior fontanelle and contiguous sutures using computed tomography, in silico models of modern infants

No Thumbnail Available
File version
Author(s)
Lottering, N
Alston, CL
Barry, MD
MacGregor, DM
Gregory, LS
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2020
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract

The aim of this study is to quantify and statistically model the age‐related decline in the fibrous connective tissue interface of the anterior fontanelle in modern Australian infants, using three‐dimensional, semi‐automated computed‐assisted design protocols. Non‐linear regression with variance models, using power functions, combined with quantile regression of the 5th and 95th population percentiles, were utilised to assess absolute anterior fontanelle surface area (AFSA) as a function of age, using multi‐slice cranial computed tomography scans obtained from 256 infants aged < 30 months (males: n = 126, females: n = 109) from Brisbane children’s hospitals. Normalised AFSA (NFSA), standardised for variation in cephalic size, followed a progressive decline from birth, the greatest velocity change occurring between the 3–6 and 6–9 month cohorts. Growth of the neurocranium is the most significant within the first 8 months postpartum, with a mean increase of 19.03 mm in maximum cranial length and 10.04 mm in breadth. Directionality of fontanelle closure, quantified using spline curves refutes fundamental assumptions that the anterior fontanelle is consistent with a quadrilateral, and contiguous sutures exhibit constant velocity of closure. The present study provides normative values for fontanelle size and diameters as well as new predictive non‐linear models for age substantiation, screening of developmental abnormalities and indicators of suspected child maltreatment in modern infants aged birth to 30 months.

Journal Title

Journal of Anatomy

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

237

Issue

2

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Biomedical engineering

Medical physiology

anterior fontanelle

computed tomography

growth and development

logistic regression

subadult age estimation

Persistent link to this record
Citation

Lottering, N; Alston, CL; Barry, MD; MacGregor, DM; Gregory, LS, Temporal mapping of the closure of the anterior fontanelle and contiguous sutures using computed tomography, in silico models of modern infants, Journal of Anatomy, 2020, 237 (2), pp. 379-390

Collections