Radiology, Vol 155, 201-204, Copyright © 1985 by Radiological Society of North America

ARTICLES

The distal femoral epiphyseal ossification center in the assessment of third-trimester menstrual age: sonographic identification and measurement

BS Mahony, PW Callen and RA Filly

The distal femoral epiphyseal secondary ossification center (DFE), which can be reliably identified and measured sonographically, may assist the sonologist in predicting third-trimester menstrual age. Between 28 and 35 menstrual weeks, the percentage of fetuses with a DFE progressively increases. Although the mean age at DFE appearance is approximately 32-33 menstrual weeks, the DFE may be seen as early as 29 menstrual weeks. Nevertheless, the age of a fetus without an identifiable DFE is most likely less than or equal to 34 menstrual weeks. Measurements of the DFE show that its size increases linearly: the menstrual age of a fetus whose DFE measures greater than or equal to 7mm is most likely greater than or equal to 37 weeks.