Accurate skeletal maturity assessment is important for prediction of curve progression and clinical management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) including bracing decision and counseling for prognosis. Determination of the timing of peak growth height velocity and growth remaining are paramount important.1,2 Commonly used clinical or radiological methods are still inadequate or too complex for rapid clinical use in the outpatient setting.3-5 Risser sign had disadvantages of low visibility in posteroanterior (PA) spinal radiograph, wide variability with maturity level and imprecise representation of peak height velocity (PHV) timing.6 Greulich and Pyle atlas (GP atlas) and Tanner-Whitehouse-III (TWIII) method are more reliable and comprehensive classifications to predict maturity, but they are cumbersome and time consuming to be used clinically.7 Both methods require the usage of an atlas, a learning curve required for exact matching of atlas plate or assignment of scores to bones.8 In this study, the investigators introduce Thumb Ossification Classification Index (TOCI). TOCI employed the measurements of epiphysis of distal phalange, proximal phalange, and adductor sesamoid, and results were analyzed together to form a composite stage (composite score) to predict maturity in patient at their peripubertal period. Ultimately the application of TOCI should not be limited to IS patients only. After the establishment of TOCI classification system, the staging system would be applied to radiographs from patients without spinal deformity or suffering from diseases not related to spine.
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TOCI stage
Timeframe: Baseline, from X-ray scans, higher values represent more mature bone