Ultrasonographic dimensions of the vertical span of the fetal iliac bone and relationship with some fetal parameters
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Updated: Oct 30, 2026
High Frequency Ultrasound for the Analysis of Fetal and Placental Development In Vivo
Published on: November 8, 2018
1Department of Radiology, Fatih University Medical Faculty Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
This study establishes normal vertical growth standards for fetal iliac bone using ultrasonography. These measurements aid in diagnosing skeletal abnormalities and developmental delays.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Fetal Medicine
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Fetal ultrasonography is crucial for diagnosing developmental delays and congenital malformations.
- Skeletal abnormalities are detectable via ultrasonography once growth standards are established.
- The iliac bone is a common site for skeletal issues but lacks extensive study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normal vertical growth standards for the fetal iliac bone.
- To determine the utility of iliac bone vertical span measurements in fetal skeletal evaluation.
- To investigate the reliability of humerus/iliac bone and femur/iliac bone ratios.
Main Methods:
- A total of 296 fetuses were evaluated using fetal ultrasonography.
- The vertical span of the iliac bone was measured in the oblique coronal plane.
- A cubic regression formula was used to calculate fetal iliac bone size based on gestational age.
Main Results:
- Normal vertical growth standards for the fetal iliac bone were established.
- Humerus/iliac bone and femur/iliac bone ratios demonstrated uniformity after 16 weeks of gestation (mean values 1.82 and 2.09, respectively).
- Significant changes in vertical iliac bone span can occur in skeletal dysplasias, even with an unaltered iliac wing.
Conclusions:
- Measurement of the fetal iliac bone's vertical span provides valuable data for skeletal assessment.
- This measurement serves as a complementary tool for diagnosing skeletal abnormalities.
- Standardized iliac bone measurements aid in differentiating skeletal conditions with varying prognoses.
Abstract:
Using fetal ultrasonography, disorders of developmental delay and congenital malformations are promptly diagnosed. Skeletal abnormalities are relatively easy to notice once standards of growth are established. The iliac bone is frequently affected in skeletal problems, yet it has not been extensively studied. In this study, a total of 296 fetuses were evaluated and the vertical span of the iliac bone was measured in the oblique coronal plane. The size of the fetal iliac bone (in cm) was calculated according to the cubic regression formula y = -4.6891 + 0.5757x (gestational age in weeks) - 0.0159x2 + 0.0001x3. Standards of normal vertical growth of the iliac bone were established and it was noted that the humerus/iliac bone and femur/iliac bone ratios were uniform with minimal variation after the 16th gestational week, with mean values (SD) of 1.82 (0.14) and 2.09 (0.15), respectively. The iliac wing may be unaltered and the vertical span may be changed considerably in some skeletal dysplasias. For complete evaluation of the skeletal system and to distinguish between different conditions with different prognoses and outcomes, measurement of the vertical span of the iliac bone as a complementary measurement is recommended.
