Biomaterial Database

[Sonographic demonstration of the fetal extremities in the mid-trimester (author's transl)]. 1981

K H Schlensker

In 251 pregnancies fetal extremities were systematically examined by means of an ultrasound sector scanner between the 12th and 28th week of gestation. The procedure is demonstrated by typical pictures. The long tubular bones, hands and feet were visualized regularly, and differentiation of radius and ulna or tibia and fibular was possible. Studies took between 5 and 25 minutes. In all cases the length of the diaphyses was determined, resulting normal growth tables and rate of growth curves. Between the 12th and 28th week, the humerus grows from 9 to 51 mm., the radius from 7 to 46 mm., the femur from 10 to 55 mm., and the tibia from 8 to 48 mm. Sonographic depiction of fingers and clavicles was also quite successful. For best results, examinations were done between the 16th and 20th week. In three fetuses later aborted, sonographic and direct (after preparation) measurements of bone length for the diaphysis differed by no more than 4%. The study shows that visualization of the extremities regularly succeeds in the mid-trimester. A multitude of localized or systemic limb malformations may be recognized. In cases with known predisposition to malformations a regular ultrasonic checkup should be performed, thus extending the scope of prenatal diagnosis.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D011247	Pregnancy	The status during which female mammals carry their developing young (EMBRYOS or FETUSES) in utero before birth, beginning from FERTILIZATION to BIRTH.	Gestation,Pregnancies
D011262	Pregnancy Trimester, Second	The middle third of a human PREGNANCY, from the beginning of the 15th through the 28th completed week (99 to 196 days) of gestation.	Midtrimester,Pregnancy, Second Trimester,Trimester, Second,Midtrimesters,Pregnancies, Second Trimester,Pregnancy Trimesters, Second,Second Pregnancy Trimester,Second Pregnancy Trimesters,Second Trimester,Second Trimester Pregnancies,Second Trimester Pregnancy,Second Trimesters,Trimesters, Second
D011296	Prenatal Diagnosis	Determination of the nature of a pathological condition or disease in the postimplantation EMBRYO; FETUS; or pregnant female before birth.	Diagnosis, Prenatal,Fetal Diagnosis,Fetal Imaging,Fetal Screening,Intrauterine Diagnosis,Antenatal Diagnosis,Antenatal Screening,Diagnosis, Antenatal,Diagnosis, Intrauterine,Prenatal Screening,Antenatal Diagnoses,Antenatal Screenings,Diagnosis, Fetal,Fetal Diagnoses,Fetal Imagings,Fetal Screenings,Imaging, Fetal,Intrauterine Diagnoses,Prenatal Diagnoses,Prenatal Screenings,Screening, Antenatal,Screening, Fetal,Screening, Prenatal
D011884	Radius	The outer shorter of the two bones of the FOREARM, lying parallel to the ULNA and partially revolving around it.	Radial Tuberosity,Radial Tuberosities,Tuberosities, Radial,Tuberosity, Radial
D012016	Reference Values	The range or frequency distribution of a measurement in a population (of organisms, organs or things) that has not been selected for the presence of disease or abnormality.	Normal Range,Normal Values,Reference Ranges,Normal Ranges,Normal Value,Range, Normal,Range, Reference,Ranges, Normal,Ranges, Reference,Reference Range,Reference Value,Value, Normal,Value, Reference,Values, Normal,Values, Reference
D005121	Extremities	The farthest or outermost projections of the body, such as the HAND and FOOT.	Limbs,Extremity,Limb
D005260	Female		Females
D005269	Femur	The longest and largest bone of the skeleton, it is situated between the hip and the knee.	Trochanter,Greater Trochanter,Lesser Trochanter,Femurs,Greater Trochanters,Lesser Trochanters,Trochanter, Greater,Trochanter, Lesser,Trochanters,Trochanters, Greater,Trochanters, Lesser
D005528	Foot	The distal extremity of the leg in vertebrates, consisting of the tarsus (ANKLE); METATARSUS; phalanges; and the soft tissues surrounding these bones.	Feet
D006225	Hand	The distal part of the arm beyond the wrist in humans and primates, that includes the palm, fingers, and thumb.	Hands