[Applied anatomy of the fontanelles]

Abstract

Objective: To make a description of the anatomy of fontanelles and to update what is currently known about their applications.

Method: 7 cadaveric heads, 2 dry skulls and 2 frontal bones of foetus were used, and 48 anterior fontanelles from paediatric patients with or without associated pathology were examined. Surgical cases and neurosonography were also used. All the structures were measured and subsequently analysed.

Results: The size, structure and limits of the fontanelles were evidenced in the cadaveric head and skulls, as well as the evaluation of paediatric patients and the size of their fontanelles in different pathologies.

Conclusion: Owing to their anatomical characteristics, fontanelles are a true window to the inside of the skull, which determines their multiple clinical and surgical applications.