Dimensions and Ossification of the Normal Anterior Cranial Fossa in Children

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Interpretation of CT of the anterior skull base in children depends on knowledge of the pattern and chronology of ossification. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the age at which the anterior cranial fossa is fully ossified as assessed on CT examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 127 CT examinations of children ranging from 1 day to 16 years 7 months of age without known or suspected anterior cranial fossa abnormality. Measurements of the length and width of the anterior skull base and the presence and size of the most anterior unossified portion were determined by 2 investigators. RESULTS: At birth, the anterior skull base consists mainly of cartilage. There is a wide variation in ossification rates between individuals, but the anterior skull base was fully ossified at 3 years 10 months in all of our cases. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy individuals, the anterior skull base is fully ossified by 4 years of age.