James Willocks and the innovation of fetal cephalometry

Nicolson, M. and Fleming, J.E.E. (2009) James Willocks and the innovation of fetal cephalometry. Scottish Medical Journal, 54(4), pp. 38-41.

Abstract

James Willocks (1928-2004), a Glasgow obstetrician, was an important pioneer of obstetric ultrasound and the originator of the first clinically useful technique of fetal cephalometry. He collaborated with Tom Duggan, an engineer, who designed and built an electronic cephalometer to be used in conjunction with a Kelvin Hughes industrial flaw detector. Working in the Royal Maternity Hospital, Willocks was able to measure the biparietal diameter to an accuracy of better than 2mm. This major innovation enabled fetal growth in the third trimester to be accurately charted and thus greatly improved the detection of placental insufficiency, as well as the management of antepartum haemorrhage, hypertension and other complications of late pregnancy.

• Item Type: Articles (Other)
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Nicolson, Professor Malcolm
• Authors: Nicolson, M., and Fleming, J.E.E.
• Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General); H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Social Scientists working in Health and Wellbeing; College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Economic and Social History
• Journal Name: Scottish Medical Journal
• ISSN: 0036-9330