Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
07:56
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Age-related reference ranges for fetal foot length
E Merz1, A Oberstein, S Wellek
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mainz.
Ultraschall in Der Medizin (Stuttgart, Germany : 1980)
|June 6, 2000
Summary
This study establishes reliable, age-dependent reference ranges for fetal foot length and the femur/foot length ratio using a mathematical growth model. These findings aid in accurate fetal growth assessment during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Fetal Medicine
- Prenatal Diagnostics
- Biometry
Background:
- Accurate fetal biometry is crucial for monitoring growth and development.
- Established reference ranges are essential for interpreting fetal measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop age-dependent reference ranges for fetal foot length and the femur/foot length ratio.
- To utilize a mathematical growth model for creating these reference bands.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cross-sectional study included 610 pregnancies with sonographically confirmed gestational age.
- Fetal foot length and femur/foot length ratio were measured between 12 and 42 weeks of gestation.
- Reference ranges were constructed using a 90% data coverage method.
Main Results:
- Fetal foot length showed a near-linear growth pattern after 24 weeks of gestation.
- The femur/foot length ratio was approximately 1 until 24 weeks, decreasing to 0.85 by 41 weeks.
- Established ranges showed good conformity with historical anatomic and current sonographic data.
Conclusions:
- The proposed statistical approach provides reliable reference ranges for fetal foot length.
- Reliable reference ranges were also established for the femur/foot length ratio.
- These ranges support improved prenatal assessment of fetal growth.
