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Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
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Dimensions and ossification of the normal anterior cranial fossa in children

David C Hughes1, M J Kaduthodil, D J A Connolly

  • 1Department of Radiology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, United Kingdom. dchughes@doctors.org.uk

AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|April 24, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The anterior skull base in children is fully ossified by approximately 4 years of age. This finding is crucial for interpreting CT scans of the anterior cranial fossa in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Craniofacial Development
  • Medical Imaging Analysis

Background:

  • Accurate interpretation of pediatric CT scans of the anterior skull base requires understanding ossification patterns.
  • Ossification timelines vary, necessitating specific age-related data for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the age of complete anterior skull base ossification in children.
  • To establish a reference point for normal anterior cranial fossa development on CT.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 127 CT scans from children aged 1 day to 16 years 7 months.
  • Exclusion of patients with known or suspected anterior cranial fossa abnormalities.
  • Measurement of anterior skull base dimensions and assessment of unossified portions by two investigators.

Main Results:

  • The anterior skull base is largely cartilaginous at birth.
  • Significant individual variation exists in ossification rates.
  • Complete ossification of the anterior skull base was observed in all cases by 3 years 10 months of age.

Conclusions:

  • The anterior skull base achieves complete ossification by approximately 4 years of age in healthy children.
  • This age provides a key developmental milestone for evaluating pediatric anterior cranial fossa CT scans.
Abstract

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