Abstract
In this prospective study, 100 second trimester fetuses were assessed to determine the frequency of visualization of the open fetal hands and the three phalanges of the fifth digit during a routine ultrasound examination. Open right hands were seen in 82 (82%) fetuses, and the three phalanges of the right fifth digit were seen in 71 (71%) fetuses. Open left hands were visualized in 80 (80%) fetuses, and the three phalanges of the left fifth digit were seen in 70 (70%) fetuses. Both open hands were seen in 73 (73%) fetuses, and only one open hand was seen in 17 (17%) fetuses. Fetal abnormalities, such as clenched hands with or without overriding fingers, hypoplasia of the middle phalanx of the fifth digit, or clinodactyly of the fifth finger, have been reported to be associated findings of certain fetal chromosomal disorders (e.g., trisomies 13, 18, and 21) and may initiate further genetic evaluation. The present study shows that it is feasible to include the assessment and documentation of fetal hands in the routine obstetric ultrasound examination without significantly increasing the scanning time.