ABSTRACT
Normal development of the body is dependent upon the synchronous coordination of the activities of its skeletal growth sites and related structures. The blueprint of a bone is inherent. Postnatal growth is but a continuation of prenatal growth interrupted by the event of birth. Changes in form are related to the synchronous coordination of three-dimensional, multiple, differential skeletal growth sites activities, and associated structures. Dried bones and superposed dried bones have been frequently used to study regions of growth. Anthropometry of the dried specimen brings with it the disadvantages of the static cross-sectional type of study. Histochemical studies are also of value in obtaining further information about the nature of bone formation. Use of a combination of serial radiography and radiopaque implants is a more accurate and reliable approach for a dynamic longitudinal study of the growth of bone. The serial radiographs demonstrate the increase in size and the change in proportion.
