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Growth of the human metatarsal bones in the fetal period (13-24 weeks postconception): a quantitative study
H A de Vasconcellos1, J C Prates, L G Moraes
1Department of Anatomy, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Brasil.
Insights
Metatarsal bone growth in human fetuses was studied. Ossified metatarsal length showed a faster growth rate than total length, with no sex or side differences observed.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Embryology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Understanding fetal skeletal development is crucial for identifying potential growth abnormalities.
- The metatarsals, key bones in the foot, undergo significant development during gestation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and establish growth curves for human fetal metatarsal bones.
- To compare the growth rates of total metatarsal length and ossified metatarsal length.
- To investigate potential sex- or side-based differences in metatarsal growth.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of total length (TL) and ossified metatarsal length (OML) from 600 metatarsal bones.
- Data collected from 60 human fetuses (35 male, 25 female) aged 13-24 weeks postconception.
- Correlation of metatarsal lengths with fetal crown-rump length (C-R).
Main Results:
- Ossified metatarsal length (OML) exhibited a greater growth rate compared to total metatarsal length (TL).
- No statistically significant differences were found between right and left metatarsals for either TL or OML.
- No statistically significant differences were observed between male and female fetuses regarding TL and OML growth.
Conclusions:
- Metatarsal growth curves can be developed using TL and OML measurements.
- These growth curves may serve as a valuable tool for monitoring fetal foot development.
- The findings suggest a consistent pattern of metatarsal growth irrespective of sex or foot laterality during the studied period.
Abstract:
We studied metatarsal growth in 600 metatarsal bones (60 pairs of feet) taken from 60 human fetuses (35 males and 25 females) ranging in age from 13 to 24 weeks postconception. The data obtained for the total length (TL) and for the ossified metatarsal length (OML) were correlated to fetal crown-rump length (C-R). The ossified metatarsal length presented a growth rate greater than the total length growth rate. There was no statistical difference between either the right and left metatarsals or males and females in total length and ossified metatarsal length growth during the period studied. We believe that metatarsal growth curves could be used to monitor fetal foot growth.