Overriding of skull bones in in-utero death of a child is known as?
## Core Concept
The question pertains to the changes that occur in the fetal skull following in-utero death. One of the postmortem changes in the fetus is the overlapping or overriding of the skull bones.
## Why the Correct Answer is Right
The correct answer, **C. Spalding's sign**, refers to the overlapping of the bones of the skull, which occurs due to the reduction in intracranial volume after fetal demise. This happens because the soft tissues and the brain substance decrease in volume, leading to the bones of the skull to overlap. This sign is a postmortem finding indicative of fetal death.
## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
* **Option A:** This option is blank and does not provide any relevant information.
* **Option B:** This option is also blank and does not provide any relevant information.
* **Option D:** This option is blank as well and does not offer any information related to the question.
## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key point to remember is that Spalding's sign, along with other signs like **Macdonnel's sign** (flexion of the limbs) and **Robert's sign** (gas in the cardiovascular system), can be indicative of fetal demise. These signs are critical in the assessment of a stillbirth.
## Correct Answer: C. Spalding's sign