Anterior fontanelle size in the neonate.

Abstract

A simple method is described for measuring the area of the anterior fontanelle at birth. Normal values in preterm and term infants suggest enlargement of the fontanelle with gestational age. Small-for-dates infants have significantly larger anterior fontanelles than either preterm or term infants. Knowledge of the normal variation in anterior fontanelle size may be of help in the early diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism or provide a clue to other disorders of skeletal development.