[A new echographic method for the determination of the ossification centres in the fetal knee (author's transl)]

A method is described, which permits the determination of fetal maturity by ultrasonic measurement of the ossification centres. This method provides the same data as the x-ray examination without any irradiation and even at an earlier stage of pregnancy. The technique to determine the lower femoral and the upper tibial centre is explained and the advantages of this ultrasonic method for determination of fetal maturity are discussed.