Related Experiment Videos
Anterior fontanel size
S Mathur1, R Kumar, G P Mathur
1Department of Pediatrics, G.S.V.M. Medical College, Kanpur.
Indian Pediatrics
|February 1, 1994
Insights
The anterior fontanel, a soft spot on an infant's head, gradually closes by age 2. Its size decreases significantly from birth, with most closing by 24 months.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Human Anatomy
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The anterior fontanel is a key anatomical feature in infants.
- Understanding its size and closure patterns is crucial for assessing infant development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the normal size of the anterior fontanel in infants.
- To establish the typical age range for anterior fontanel closure.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 445 infants.
- Infants ranged in age from newborns to 2 years.
- Anterior fontanel size was measured.
Main Results:
- Mean anterior fontanel size was 3.37 cm in neonates, decreasing to 0.37 cm by 24 months.
- Anterior fontanel closure occurred by 12 months in 40%, 18 months in 70.4%, and 24 months in 91.3% of infants.
Conclusions:
- The anterior fontanel size significantly decreases with age.
- Closure is typically completed by 24 months of age in most infants.
Abstract:
Anterior fontanel size was determined in a cross-sectional study of 445 infants ranging in age from newborn period to 2 years. The mean anterior fontanel size in neonates was 3.37 +/- 0.61 cm which decreased to 0.37 +/- 0.06 cm in 24 months age group. The age of closure of anterior fontanel was 12, 18 and 24 months in 40%, 70.4% and 91.3%, respectively.