Mahboobul Haque 1 , Nafis Ahmad Faruqi 2 , Syed Mobashir Yunus 3
ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Symphysis pubis a midline secondary cartilaginous joint has been studied mostly for age estimation in forensic anthropology. Symphysis pubis forms at about the beginning of the third month of gestation. Centre of chondrification starts to develop in the primitive scleroblastema, grow together at the midline forming the precursor of the symphysis. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study the developmental of symphyseal surface of pubis morphometrically in human fetuses and to analyze whether it is sex dependent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 41 foetuses divided into five groups according to the gestational age with each group having male and female fetuses. The interpubic joint along with the pubis were dissected and a midline incision was given to expose the symphyseal surface. Measurements were taken with the help of Vernier calipers and the data was analyzed using students ‘t’ test. OBSERVATION AND RESULT: Vertical height of midline sectioned pubic symphysis grew at different rates during different periods of intrauterine life. Growth rate was maximum in group II. Anteroposterior growth of midline sectioned pubic symphysis at the upper end showed significant growth in early stage of gestation, while in the middle part significant increase in measurements was noticed in groups II and III and in the lower portion in groups II and V. CONCLUSION: Maximal growth of the symphyseal surface of the pubes occurs vertically as well as antero-posteriorly between 19–22 weeks of gestation. Sexual dimorphism was observed in the vertical growth of the pubic symphysis in group II foetuses
