Bone age testing, a deeper understanding of yourself

Bone age testing is a method of detecting age. Experts will use the X-rays taken to provide a clearer interpretation of the person being tested, and can more clearly understand whether the bone development is normal. If any abnormalities are found, timely examination and treatment can be carried out to control the disease in the initial stage and allow the body to develop in a better direction.

1. Bone age examination method

Traditional bone age assessment usually involves taking X-rays of the subject's hands and wrists, which are then interpreted by a doctor. The interpretation methods include simple counting method, atlas method, scoring method and computer bone age scoring system. The most commonly used are GP atlas method and TW3 scoring method. Currently, the TW2 method is rarely used internationally. Predicting adult height based on bone age includes BP method, TW3, Zhonghua-05 method, etc. These height prediction methods are all for normal children. Since children with certain diseases have their own specific growth and development patterns, specific height prediction methods should be used for children with certain diseases to be accurate.

Affected by racial differences and long-term trends in growth and development, the bone age standard that is currently most suitable for contemporary Chinese children is TY/T 3001-2006 "Maturity and Evaluation Methods of Wrist Bones in Chinese Adolescents and Children" (referred to as the "Zhonghua-05" method). In 2006, the "Zhonghua-05" bone age standard was incorporated into the "Industry Standards of the People's Republic of China", becoming China's only industry bone age standard. See point 6 of China Industry Standards Registration Announcement No. 6 of 2006 (No. 78 in total).

2. Bone Age Scoring Method

Bone age is determined using bone X-rays and based on the X-ray signs of bone development, which are markers of maturity. Boas first proposed the concept of growth rate in the late 19th century. Soon after discovering how to use X-rays for filming, human growth scholars quickly applied this concept and technology to the study of bone development and conducted long-term exploration and continuous improvement of methods for determining bone age.

There are many methods for measuring bone age, which can be divided into three types: the "bone age counting method" for measuring ossification centers, the "bone age atlas method" for comparing with standard atlases, and the "bone age scoring method" for scoring according to bone development stages. These methods are also developing towards computer-assisted bone age assessment. However, the Chinese children's bone age scoring method was determined by comparing various methods of bone age detection at home and abroad.

3. Bone Age Development

girl

Height growth spurt: bone age 11 to 13 years old

Puberty: Menarche occurs around the 9th month after bone age 11 years. (First menstruation)

Stop growing: bone age 17.3 years old

boy

Height growth spurt: bone age 13 to 15 years old

Puberty: Voice changes, armpit hair, beard, prominent Adam's apple, etc. appear around the 9th month after the bone age reaches 13 years old.

Stop growing: bone age 18.4 years old