The Greulich and Pyle technique (G\&P) is that most commonly used to assess bone age in children, particularly in the context of suspected skeletal dysplasia. However it has been shown not to be applicable to children of Asian and African ethnicity and may not be applicable to United Kingdom (UK) Caucasian children, who are now relatively more mature and larger than children of the mid 1930's (when G\&P was developed). It is generally agreed that updated standards are required for rapid and reliable bone age assessment. The development of such standards requires irradiation of normal children. To do this ethically, radiation exposure must be kept as low as possible. Two recent studies suggest that bone age assessment can be reliably achieved from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans. As far as the investigators are aware, the Tanner \& Whitehouse (TW3) method, which is preferred by some (e.g. endocrinologists and nutritionists), has not been assessed from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans - although not the main focus of this study, because of its popularity amongst certain specialties, the investigators shall be assessing the TW3 method also. Modern techniques should not only be available as textbooks, but should also be available in digital (on-line) format and where possible integrated with hospital PACS systems. The investigators believe that their team has the required experience and expertise to successfully carry out such a project. Before conducting the required large cross-sectional study, the investigators must first confirm that DXA can in fact replace radiographs for bone age assessment in children; which is the objective of this current study.
Age range
1 Year – 16 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Number of Participants With Observer Agreement Between Bone Age as Assessed From Left Hand and Wrist DXA Compared to Radiographs
Timeframe: 18 months