EPIPHYSEAL OSSIFICATION CENTERS 

These ossification centers are considered additional ultrasound parameters that may be used to estimate gestational age in the third trimester.
 

 

Mean GA of appearance
(weeks)

Range

Distal femoral epiphysis

 

 

32.5

28-37

Proximal tibial epiphysis

36

31-39

Proximal humeral epiphysis

39

36-41

 

 

 

H – Humerus (shaft)

PHE – Proximal humeral epiphysis

Arrows – capsule of the joint

Note ossification of the epiphysis at 39 wks

 

 

 

 

Ossification centers appear approximately 8.7 days earlier in females.

Other Less Common Ossification Centers


 

REFERENCES
  1. Hase EA, Okumura M, Kahhale S et.al. Ultrasonographic evaluation of fetal epiphyseal ossification centers for estimation of gestational age in the third trimester. World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Poster Presentation. Edinburugh, Nov/Dec 1998.