1
|
Thornton R, Mendelow MG, Hutchinson EF. Bone mineral density and geometric morphometrics: Indicators of growth in the immature pars basilaris. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 361:112111. [PMID: 38908071 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
The pars basilaris forms a central component of the immature basicranium and owing to its resilience to post-mortem and taphonomic changes, holds significance across evolutionary, clinical, and forensic contexts. While size and shape parameters of the pars basilaris have been investigated, little is known about the influence of the underlying bone mineral density on the morphometry of this bone during growth. This study aimed to investigate the development and growth of the pars basilaris with specific reference to changes in bone density patterning and development of osteological features, during the prenatal and early postnatal periods of life. A total of 109 pars basilari were sourced from the Johannesburg Forensic Paediatric Collection, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. The study sample was subdivided into early prenatal (<30 gestational weeks), prenatal (30-40 gestational weeks) and postnatal (birth to 7.5 months) groups and micro-CT scanned to assess bone mineral density patterns across seven regions of interest. Size and shape changes were analysed using 11 digitized landmarks and geometric morphometrics. When comparing across age groups, the assessed dimensions increased with growth manifesting as a deepening at the anterior border of the foramen magnum, development of the lateral angles and widening of the bone at the lateral projections and spheno-occipital synchondrosis. However, no significant changes in the distribution of bone mineral density were observed. An appreciation of morphological changes and bone quality at specific growth sites in the pars basilaris is essential when analyzing remains of unknown provenance for the purposes of identification in disaster victim settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Thornton
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Mira G Mendelow
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Erin F Hutchinson
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lesieur E, Delteil C, Gorincour G, Panuel M, Chaumoitre K, Saliba B, Bretelle F, Piercecchi-Marti MD, Adalian P. Fetal facial bone growth: Post-mortem CT analysis. Morphologie 2023; 107:116-126. [PMID: 35739008 DOI: 10.1016/j.morpho.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe and model the normal growth of fetal facial bones and angles. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 118 fetal CT scans obtained at 19 to 41 weeks gestation after in utero fetal death or late miscarriage were analyzed. CT scan was followed by autopsy and pathological examination and only fetuses free from brain disease or abnormal craniofacial development were included. The measurements were taken using software for frontal, sagittal and 3D reconstruction from native axial sections. The optimal plane for bone analysis was chosen and the measurements made by multiplanar reconstruction. RESULTS There was a statistically significant increase (P<0.001) in all measurements regardless of gestational age (GA) except those of the mandibulo-fronto-maxillary angle (P=0.412), the naso-mandibulo-maxillary angle (P=0.828) and mandibular width (P=0.86). There was no significant difference according to fetal sex. Based on these results, the corresponding growth curves were created. The anteroposterior mandibular diameter (APD) was very strongly correlated with GA (R=0.926, P<0.001). The following equation: GA=(8.187×APD)+4.257 can be used to estimate GA with a confidence interval (CI) of±2.42. The same applies to maxillary width (MW) (R=0.922; P<0.001). The equation GA=(11.059×MW)+7.571 can be used to estimate GA with a CI of 2.17. CONCLUSION The growth of the mandible, maxilla, zygomatic bone and orbits was measured and the corresponding growth curves were established. Several measurements were strongly correlated with gestational age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Lesieur
- Screening and Diagnosis Unit, department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Timone Hospital, Marseille, France; UMR 7268 ADES Anthropologie droit éthique et santé, Aix Marseille université, CNRS, EFS, Marseille, France.
| | - C Delteil
- UMR 7268 ADES Anthropologie droit éthique et santé, Aix Marseille université, CNRS, EFS, Marseille, France; Forensic Department, Assistance Publique-hôpitaux de Marseille, La Timone, Marseille, France
| | - G Gorincour
- IMAGE 2 (Institut méditerranéen d'imagerie médicale appliquée à la gynécologie, la grossesse et l'enfance), 6, rue Rocca, 13008 Marseille, France
| | - M Panuel
- UMR 7268 ADES Anthropologie droit éthique et santé, Aix Marseille université, CNRS, EFS, Marseille, France; Department of Radiology, CHU Nord, Assistance Publique-hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - K Chaumoitre
- UMR 7268 ADES Anthropologie droit éthique et santé, Aix Marseille université, CNRS, EFS, Marseille, France; Department of Radiology, CHU Nord, Assistance Publique-hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - B Saliba
- UMR 7268 ADES Anthropologie droit éthique et santé, Aix Marseille université, CNRS, EFS, Marseille, France
| | - F Bretelle
- Screening and Diagnosis Unit, department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Timone Hospital, Marseille, France; IHU Méditerranée Infection MEPHI, Aix-Marseille université, IRD, Assistance Publique-hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - M D Piercecchi-Marti
- UMR 7268 ADES Anthropologie droit éthique et santé, Aix Marseille université, CNRS, EFS, Marseille, France; Forensic Department, Assistance Publique-hôpitaux de Marseille, La Timone, Marseille, France
| | - P Adalian
- UMR 7268 ADES Anthropologie droit éthique et santé, Aix Marseille université, CNRS, EFS, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|