Spalding's sign is a sign used in obstetrics.[1] It is named for Alfred Baker Spalding.[2][3]

It is an indicator of fetal death.[4] When fetal death has occurred loss of alignment and overriding of the bones of cranial vault occur due to shrinkage of cerebrum,[5] abdominal sonar examination may reveal an overriding of the fetal cranial bones.[6] Most estimates place the precise time of fetal death at about 4–7 days before overlapping and separation of the fetal skull bones appear.[7]

References

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  1. ^ THOMSON JL (February 1950). "The differential diagnosis of Spalding's sign". Br J Radiol. 23 (266): 122–4, illust. doi:10.1259/0007-1285-23-266-122. PMID 15409772.
  2. ^ synd/2946 at Who Named It?
  3. ^ A. B. Spalding. A pathogonomic sign of intra-uterine death. Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Chicago, 1922, 34: 754.
  4. ^ 00509 at CHORUS
  5. ^ The essentials of forensic medicine and toxicology. New delhi: Jaypee brothers. 2014. p. 438. ISBN 9789351525578.
  6. ^ Olds' Maternal-Newborn Nursing, 8th edition, p. 1136
  7. ^ S. A. Journal of Radiology, March 1964, OVERLAPPING OF THE FOETAL SKULL BONES IN BREECH PRESENTATION L. C. HANDLER, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town