Digital Image Analysis of Vertebral Body S1 and Its Ossification Center in the Human Fetus.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to examine the growth dynamics of the first sacral vertebra and its ossification center in the human fetus, based on their linear, planar, and volumetric parameters.

METHODS

The examinations were carried out on 54 human fetuses of both sexes (26 males and 28 females) aged 18-30 weeks of gestation, which had been preserved in 10% neutral formalin solution. Using CT, digital image analysis software, 3D reconstruction, and statistical methods, the size of the first sacral vertebra and its ossification center was evaluated.

RESULTS

The first sacral vertebra and its ossification center grew proportionately according to fetal weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

The numerical data obtained from computed tomography and the growth patterns of the body of the first sacral vertebra and its ossification center may serve as age-specific normative intervals relevant for gynecologists, obstetricians, pediatricians, and radiologists during fetal ultrasound screening. Our findings on the growth of the body of the first sacral vertebra and its ossification center may be useful in daily clinical practice, particularly in ultrasonic monitoring of normal fetal growth and in screening for congenital defects and skeletal dysplasias.