Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Nagpur, India-440003
*Correspondence Author: Dr. Sumit T. Patil, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Pin- 440003 Mob: 9623412008
Online published on 11 October, 2012.
Bone age assessment is frequently performed in children and adolescents for the evaluation of growth, management of limb length discrepancies, scoliosis and the diagnosis and management of a multitude of endocrine disorders and paediatric syndromes. Carpals are the most important bones in determining skeletal age.
Aim of the study is to find out ossification of carpal bones in Indian children and to find which carpals are more affected in their ossification.
The ages of ossification centers of carpals at wrist joint have been studied in pediatric age group in Maharashtra state of India. The study included 306 apparently healthy children belonging to lower economic group of both sexes (161 male and 145 female) up to 14 years of age.
Capitate and hamate were first (during first year) and Pisiform (9–14 years) was the last to ossify. In the Indian children first four ossifying carpals were less affected, while later four carpals ossifying during 4 to 12 years were more affected in their development.
Ossifications of the 8 carpals have a definite relation with age and can be considered as a good indicator for age assessment and skeletal maturation in pediatric age groups.
Skeletal Age, Carpals, Ossification
