Metatarsal growth during the second trimester: a predictor of gestational age?

Metatarsal growth was studied in 780 human fetal metatarsal bones, crown-rump length ranging from 120 to 260 mm and gestational age ranging from 14 to 23 wk postconception. Total length, diaphyseal length and diameter were measured and statistical analysis performed. Means and standard deviations for each measurement were calculated at 1 wk intervals. These data were correlated with crown-rump length and gestational age and an equation was constructed in an attempt to predict gestational age.