Fetal biometry in correlation with ultrasonographic appearance and measurement of epiphyseal ossification centres of fetal peripheral long bones for assessment of gestation age in the third trimester

ABSTRACT

To determine the correlation between fetal biometry and ultrasonographic appearance and measurement of epiphyseal ossification centres of fetal peripheral long bones for assessment of gestation age in the third trimester. Descriptive, observational study. This study was carried out at Department of Radiology, Dow University of Health Sciences/Civil Hospital Karachi, from February, 2009 - July 2009. 200 pregnant females were examined having gestational age of 28 or more weeks. Obstetrical ultrasound was done using 3.5 MHz convex transducer on Toshiba ultrasound scanner model Nemio-17. Measurement of Biparietal Diameter, [BPD], femur Length [FL] and abdominal Circumference [AC], placental localization and assessment of liquor was done as per standard protocol. The distal femoral, proximal tibial and proximal humeral ossification centers were identified and measured. Appearance and size of distal femoral, proximal tibial and the proximal humeral epiphyseal ossification centers in correlation with fetal biometry is helpful in accurate assessment of gestational age in the third trimester. Ultrasonographic visualization of the epiphyses ossification centers in correlation with fetal biometry is a useful marker of fetal gestational age in the third trimester