DISPROPORTIONAL SHORTENING OF FETAL LIMBS

1. Which segments of the limb are shortened?:
• Rhizomelic (proximal part of the limb).
• Mesomelic (middle part of the limb).
• Acromelic (distal part of the limb).
• Micromelic (entire limb shortened).
2. Are there any bone fractures?
3. Are the bones curved?
4. Are there any joint deformities?
5. Are there any joint or limb dislocations?
6. Are there any abnormality of the hands?
7. Are there any abnormality of the feet?
8. Are any bones hypoplastic or absent?

A normal femur length, consistent with gestational age, and without bowing, angulation or fractures is considered adequate for screening for short limb dysplasia in a patient with no history of risk factors (1).

Normal femur foot ratio of 1.0
A femur to foot length (on planter view) ratio of >0.85 supports familial variation as the cause of a femur less than expected (1).

REFERENCES

1. Seeds JW. The routine or screening obstetrical ultrasound examination. Clin Obstet Gynecol 1996;39(4):824-825.