Abstract
Objective: To present normative data on prenatal mandibular morphology and growth. Material and Methods: Fifty-four normal fetuses (Danish Caucasian) were included in the study (gestational age: 11-26 weeks). Fetuses were scanned using a GE Voluson 730 Expert 3D scanner. Scans were visualized and analyzed using GE 4DVIEW™ software. Mandibular dimensions [base length (B), ramus height (H), and total length (L)] and the mandibular angle (φ) were measured, and the mandibular index was calculated. Method error was estimated by duplicate measurements. Growth was calculated by regressing measured variables on age. Results: Mandibular measurements were found to be reliable [precision: 0.5-1.2 mm (1SD)]. Mean mandibular variable values at week 11: B = 5.2 ± 2.5 mm; H = 2.7 ± 1.3 mm; L = 7.7 ± 3.2 mm; φ = 149 ± 6.0°; and at week 26: B = 22.6 ± 2.5 mm; H = 12.3 ± 1.3 mm; L = 33.1 ± 3.2 mm; φ = 135 ± 6.0°. A linear model described growth (Bg/Hg/Lg/φg) giving B g = 1.2; Hg = 0.64; L = 1.7 mm/week; φg = -0.9°/week. Conclusion: Normative 3D data values for the human mandible in 11- to 26-week-old fetuses were presented. All measured mandibular parameters could be described using a linear increasing model from 11 to 26 weeks. All linear dimensions increased in size, while the mandibular angle decreased steadily during the observation period.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Prenatal Diagnosis |
Volume | 30 |
Issue number | 5 |
Pages (from-to) | 408-12 |
Number of pages | 4 |
ISSN | 0197-3851 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 2010 |