Question
The center of ossification used as medico-legal evidence for fetal viability:
| A. |
Head of femur
|
| B. |
Distal end of femur
|
| C. |
Talus
|
| D. |
Calcaneum
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » B
Explanation
|
|
The appearance of the ossification center at the: Distal end of femur (Beclard’s nucleus)
It is an important medico-legal sign of fetal viability and maturity.
It appears at approximately: 36 weeks of intrauterine life or near term.
The presence of this ossification center suggests:
-
- The fetus was viable
- Near/full-term gestation
Why Other Options are Incorrect
A. Head of femur
- Ossification center appears after birth:
- Not useful for fetal viability.
C. Talus
- Ossification center appears around:
- 7th month intrauterine life
- Indicates fetal age, but not specifically viability.
D. Calcaneum
- Ossification begins around:
- Too early to indicate viability.
