Humeral length (obstetric ultrasound)
Last revised by Arlene Campos on 20 Feb 2024
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Weerakkody Y, Campos A, Knipe H, et al. Humeral length (obstetric ultrasound). Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 24 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-91753
rID:
91753
Article created:
1 Aug 2021,
Yuranga Weerakkody ◉
Disclosures:
At the time the article was created Yuranga Weerakkody had no recorded disclosures.
View Yuranga Weerakkody's current disclosures
Last revised:
20 Feb 2024,
Arlene Campos ◉
Disclosures:
At the time the article was last revised Arlene Campos had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.
View Arlene Campos's current disclosures
Revisions:
4 times, by
4 contributors -
see full revision history and disclosures
Systems:
Synonyms:
- Humeral length (HL)
- Humerus length
- Humeral diaphyseal length
- Humeral length
The humeral length (HL) is sometimes measured as an additional fetal biometric parameter in a second-trimester ultrasound scan. Its measurement can often complement the femoral length, especially in situations where there are short limb syndromes. Short humeral lengths have been associated with conditions such as Down syndrome 1.
According to one study, the mean humerus diaphysis length was reported at 2
17.65 mm at 15 weeks
48.10 mm at 28 weeks
References
- 1. Nyberg D, Resta R, Luthy D, Hickok D, Williams M. Humerus and Femur Length Shortening in the Detection of Down's Syndrome. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993;168(2):534-8. doi:10.1016/0002-9378(93)90487-4 - Pubmed
- 2. Tahmasebpour AR, Pirjani R, Rahimi-Foroushani A, Ghaffari SR, Rahimi-Sharbaf F, Masrour FF. Normal ranges for fetal femur and humerus diaphysis length during the second trimester in an Iranian population. (2012) Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. 31 (7): 991-5. doi:10.7863/jum.2012.31.7.991 - Pubmed
- 3. Rodis JF, Vintzileos AM, Fleming AD, Ciarleglio L, Nardi DA, Feeney L, Scorza WE, Campbell WA, Ingardia C. Comparison of humerus length with femur length in fetuses with Down syndrome. (1991) American journal of obstetrics and gynecology. 165 (4 Pt 1): 1051-6. doi:10.1016/0002-9378(91)90468-7 - Pubmed