Correlation ‘K’ of foot length with crown rump length in fetuses : an anthropometric study from Kumaun region

Abstract

Background and aims : Estimation of gestational age [GA] is of prime importance for favorable pregnancy outcome. Foot length is an important and under utilized marker of GA estimation. In this anthropometric study, the foot length of right and left foot was measured and correlated with crown rump length [CRL] to find out whether foot length shows correlation with CRL and act as a reliable marker for assessment of GA. Materials and method: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College Haldwani, Uttarakhand, India. The material used for this study was 72 fetuses of different GA. The foot length of right and left foot was measured from the posterior most point of the heel of the feet to the second toe. The length of the feet was compared with CRL. The correlation and association of length of both feet with CRL was done. Observation: The right and left foot length increased with increase in the CRL. The mean foot length of right and left foot was found to be almost equal with a mean of 5.3 cm for both feet. Pearson correlation coefficient of both sides foot length and CRL showed strong positive correlation with a statistically significant association. Conclusion:In this study on 72 fetuses, both foot length was found to have a strong correlation with CRL. Foot length can act as an adjunct for estimation of GA. Foot length can differentiate between preterm and term baby. Foot length measurement is also useful in medicolegal purposes

Keywords

• crown rump length
• anthropometry
• fetus
• foot length
• gestational age