Abnormal timing in the prenatal ossification of vertebral column and hand in Crouzon syndrome
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Updated: Oct 17, 2026

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
I Kjaer1, B F Hansen, K W Kjaer
1Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
We report on a radiographically examined fetus (gestational age 13 weeks) with Crouzon syndrome caused by a mutation in the gene encoding the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGFR2). We found an approximately 2-week delay in vertebral body and hand ossification with normal vertebral arch ossification, suggesting that regionally delayed skeletal maturation might be a manifestation of FGFR2 mutation syndromes. The findings support other studies indicating that different signaling pathways control skeletal maturation in vertebral bodies and vertebral arches.
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