title: The prenatal multiplier method for prediction of limb length discrepancy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to produce a method of predicting limb length discrepancy in utero.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using available databases, we divided the femoral and tibial lengths at term by the femoral and tibial lengths at each week of gestation for each percentile. The quotients represent coefficients (multipliers) of limb segment growth at each prenatal age.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found the prenatal multipliers to be independent of race, percentile, and gender from as early as 12 weeks' gestation. The prenatal multipliers are alike for femur and tibia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prenatal multiplier method allows for quick prediction of limb length discrepancy at term and at skeletal maturity from as early as 12 weeks' gestation. Future study is needed to validate this method clinically.
authors.affiliation: Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21215, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Paley
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gelman
authors.forename: Dror
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Paley
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Herzenberg
mesh_terms: D000365:Age Determination by Skeleton; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000196:embryology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D017880:Limb Deformities, Congenital / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008433:Mathematics; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D013977:Tibia / Q000196:embryology