Analysis of Maximum Transverse Diameter of Lumbar Enlargement of Spinal Cord with the Gestational Age in Indian Human Foetuses

Introduction: Foetal spinal cord has been the focus of interest by many scientists but the information regarding lumbar enlargement received very little attention, though important for clinical applications. Morphological studies were limited to vertebral canal and spinal cord during prenatal and postnatal periods . Readings of maximum transverse diameter of lumbar enlargement of foetal spinal cord will help in understanding the pattern of growth of spinal cord in Indian human foetuses, which may be utilised for medicolegal purpose. Material and Methods: Foetuses without any congenital cranio-vertebral anomalies were selected for the study and divided into five groups on the basis of gestational age. Laminectomy was performed and the spinal cords from human foetuses were taken out and maximum transverse diameter of lumbar enlargement was measured by Vernier calipers under standard conditions. Result & Conclusion: Significant increment in maximum transverse diameter of lumbar enlargement of foetal spinal cord was observed in successive adjacent groups from group II onwards. There was maximum increment in maximum transverse diameter of lumbar enlargement of spinal cord between groups IV and V human foetuses.