title: The use of three-dimensional ultrasound does not improve training in fetal biometric measurements.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate whether three-dimensional (3D) technology offers any advantage over two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound in fetal biometric measurement training.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten midwives with no hands-on experience in ultrasound were randomized to receive training on 2D or 3D ultrasound fetal biometry assessment. Midwives were taught how to obtain fetal biometric measurements (biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL)) by a trainer. Subsequently, each midwife measured the parameters on another 10 fetuses. The same set of measurements was repeated by the trainer. The percentage deviation between the midwives' and the trainer's measurements was determined and compared between training groups. Time required for completion was recorded. Frozen images were reviewed by another sonographer to assess the image quality using a standardized scoring system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median time for the complete set of measurements was significantly shorter in the 2D than in 3D group (13.4 min versus 17.8 min, P = 0.03). The mean percentage deviations did not reach statistical significance between the two groups except for FL (3.83% in 2D group versus 2.23% in 3D group (P = 0.046)). There were no significant differences in the quality scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study showed that the only demonstrable advantage of 3D ultrasound was a slightly more accurate measurement of FL, at the expense of a significantly longer time required.
authors.affiliation: Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Lin W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Yuen H
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Ting
authors.forename: Terence T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Lao
authors.forename: Macy M C
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Chau
authors.forename: Tak Y
authors.initials: TY
authors.lastname: Fung
authors.forename: Tak Y
authors.initials: TY
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.forename: Daljit S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Sahota
authors.forename: Tze K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Lau
mesh_terms: D001699:Biometry / Q000379:methods*; D001837:Body Weights and Measures / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003944:Diagnostic Techniques, Obstetrical and Gynecological; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data