What is a bone age radiograph?
Bone age radiography is a simple, safe and brief test that determines
biological maturation of the skeleton in children and adolescents, which may differ from
chronological age in some cases. We use it to assess
growth rates, estimate final stature and diagnose hormonal
disorders in children.
How is the test done?
An X-ray (face) of the hand and wrist (usually the left) is taken.
The radiologist then takes measurements on the linear axes of the bones, and compares
them with standard atlases to estimate the “skeletal” age, to see if
it deviates from the chronological one.
What is the importance of the test?
It is an important diagnostic tool in the hands of the clinician, pediatrician, or
endocrinologist, to identify various conditions and delayed or early development of
child, i.e. signs of early puberty, which
can then be treated with medication.
