A review paper on the growth pattern of head

Abstract

Growth is defined as quantitative increase in size and mass. (Bogin,) It is measurable in numerical forms and hence easily comparable as well. It is a true indicator of health for an individual, population and community. It is also a dynamic phenomenon, so regular screening of growth pattern of child is necessary to make country healthier. Several studies have been conducted and still are being conducted to perceive growth pattern of different population at ethnic, regional and country level (WHO, 2007) as well as to perceive changes occur in a population growth pattern with time. There are many anthropometric measurements to assess human growth pattern such as head length, head breadth, head circumference, bizygometic breadth, mid upper arm circumference, hand length, height, weight etc. Measurements on head are vital from clinical, forensic and medical point of view. The objective of this study is to represent and understand the overall growth pattern or status in human head (0 to 18 years) including head circumference, head length and head breadth on the basis of previous studies in different part of the world. To identify variation that exists in the growth pattern among different population groups. The total 43 papers on the growth of head from different corners of the world were reviewed and try to use a systematic approach for comparing among several studies. Author has categorised all papers into three sections i.e. long term study, short term study and midterm study based on the nature of the method and time period utilized while conducting the study. Each parameter of the head has discussed under all three given categories. It was found that head circumference (HC) growth increment of boys and girls for aged between 0 to 18 years was varies nearly from 21cm to 24 cm. The total growth increment for head length (HL) and head breadth (HB) is ranges between 6 to 8 cm and 5 to 7cm in boys and girls (0–18 yrs) respectively. The dissimilarities in total mean increment of head circumference (HC), head length (HL) and head breadth (HB) of different population is visible for different age group. This leads us to conclude that single growth standard for entire world is not sufficient and it is desired to create separate growth standard for different population.