Not in the way most people think of them. Babies are born with kneecaps made of cartilage, which later ossifies into bone.
Baby Kneecaps: Cartilage Instead of Bone
Babies don't have fully developed, bony kneecaps (patellae) at birth. Instead, they have structures made of cartilage in the knee area. This cartilage is more flexible and less dense than bone.
Development of the Kneecap
The cartilaginous kneecap gradually ossifies, meaning it turns into bone, over time. This process typically begins around 6 months of age and can continue for several years. The kneecap fully develops and becomes visible on X-rays as a bony structure during childhood.
Why Cartilage Initially?
Having cartilage instead of bone offers a couple of benefits:
- Flexibility during birth: Cartilage is more pliable, allowing for easier passage through the birth canal.
- Protection during early development: Cartilage cushions the knee joint during the early stages of crawling and walking before the bones are fully formed.
Summary
While babies are not born with bony kneecaps, they do have cartilaginous structures that serve as precursors to the adult kneecap. These cartilaginous kneecaps gradually develop into bone as the child grows. So, in short, children develop kneecaps.
