Segmental Limb Length Measurements in Term Neonates From Southern India

To develop gender and gestational age-specific reference standards for segmental limb lengths in term neonates.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Tamil Nadu from June, 2019 to October, 2020. Term neonates were included through convenient sampling. Segmental length of upper and lower limbs was measured using non-stretchable steel measuring tape and total body length was measured with infantometer. Gestational age-specific mean length of all limb segments and segmental index with reference to total body length were calculated.

950 term neonates were recruited. Their mean (SD) birth weight (kg) was 2.98 (0.34) and 17.5% were small for gestational age. Their mean (SD) total upper limb length (cm) and total lower limb length (cm) were 20.96 (1.22) and 19.6 (1.18), respectively. Gender-based difference was noted in total body and upper limb segment lengths. Segmental limb lengths had negligible positive correlation with gestational age but had a moderate positive correlation with total body length.

Gender and gestational age-specific segmental limb lengths standards may help to identify abnormal limb lengths in neonates at birth.