State Of Ossification Research Articles

Computed Tomography of the Petrous Bone: Particularities in Children

Like any organ in children, the ear has particular anatomical features that are well shown in imaging. The petrous bone computed tomography (CT) is a valuable tool for diagnosing ear pathologies and evaluating surgical possibilities. In children, the ear has the peculiarity of having the morphology and size of adults, and the only difference resides in the components of the middle and inner ear related to the growth of the temporal bone and the state of ossification which are progressive with age. Some aspects of growth can simulate pathology and must be known. The pneumatisation of the temporal bone occurs gradually after birth and in several outbreaks until adulthood. The external auditory canal, the internal auditory meatus and the petromastoid canal progressively reach the adult aspect because of the growth of the petrous bone. This work aims to highlight the particularities of the petrous bone CT in pediatrics, since it has become widely used in the exploration of malformations, trauma, infectious complications of the ear and in the assessment of deafness.

Magnetic resonance tomography in therapy follow-up after repositioning treatment of congenital hip dislocation

After treatment of infantile hip dislocation in terms of reduction and retention in plaster casts or splints a problem of therapy controlling exists. To assess if the femoral head is in correct position centered in the socket ultrasound is not possible, because one cannot achieve the necessary standard position. Computertomograms are associated with a hereditary taint of radiation and plain roentgenograms lack of presentation of the important cartilaginous structures. To control infantile hips after open or closed reduction from 1990 until 1996, 43 examinations by MR imaging were performed in 34 children. In our series MRI was able to provide exact information about the position of the femoral head independently of its state of ossification. Also, a clearly visualisation of the different structures of the acetabular fossa, particular acetabulum, pulvinar, bony and cartilaginous acetabular rim and limbus was possible. Furthermore the MR images showed interpositioned soft tissue, intraarticular effusion and displayed cartilaginous parts of the acetabular rim. MRI is an exact method to assess the anatomical and pathological conditions of the childlike hip joint. Because of the disadvantages of CT and X-ray, MRI is superior in terms of controlling the results after treatment of infantile hip dislocation.

A Survey of State of Ossification in Neonatal Squamates

The state of ossification of the skeleton at hatching or birth and shortly thereafter is described and compared for 21 squamate species. The presence in the neonate of metapodial ossification centers and epiphyseal secondary centers varies among species, whereas the appearance of apophyseal ossifications and endochondral calcifications and the ossification of sesamoid precur- sors are predominantly postnatal phenomena. The data suggest a possible causal relationship be- tween viviparity and skeletally immature neonates, whereas state of ossification at hatching or birth is probably attributable to phylogeny overall. Of the clades represented in this investigation, phry- nosomatids, teiioids, and amphisbaenians exhibit the most skeletally mature neonates, whereas the reverse is true of gekkotans, xantusiids, and anguids.

New prosauropod material from South Wales

New prosauropod material from a cave filling of Upper Triassic/Lower Jurassic age in Pant-y-ffynnon Quarry, South Wales, is described. The Panl-y-ffynnon fauna also includes thecodont, coelurosaur, crocodile and lepidosaur material. Most of the prosauropod skeleton is represented. An almost complete but disarticulated skull is preserved. The skull and whole skeleton of the prosauropod are reconstructed. Evidence from the size and relative proportions of the bones, also the state of ossification, indicates that the prosauropod remains represent juveniles. The level of the jaw articulation combined with the form of the teeth would suggest that the Pant-y-ffynnon prosauropod was omnivorous. The Pant-y-ffynnon prosauropod resembles closely the much less complete Durdham Down (Bristol) remains of Thecodonlosaurus antiquus Morris; the Welsh material could well be juveniles of that species. Here the Pant-y-ffynnon material is ascribed to Thecodonlosaurus sp. The mode of deposition of the fossil material is discussed, to account for the deposit containing only juveniles of the prosauropod.