SCAPULA LENGTH

The scapula begins to ossify at about 8 weeks of gestation, and at birth most of the scapula is ossified (1). As development of the scapula progresses, the supraspinous fossa has become progressively smaller, whereas the infraspinous area becomes progressively larger.

• The scapula is easily visualized sonographically.
• Scapular length increases linearly from 15-42 weeks gestation (2).
• Normal Scapular Length

REFERENCES

1. Samilson RL. Congenital and developmental anomalies of the shoulder girdle. Ortho Clin North Am 1980;11:219.
2. Sherer DM, Plessinger MA, Allen TA. Fetal scapular length in the ultrasonographic assessment of gestational age. J Ultrasound Med 1994;13:523-528.