A skeletal assessment tool estimates the maturity of a child’s skeletal system by comparing a radiographic image of the hand and wrist to standardized atlases of typical development. This process assists in determining if skeletal maturation aligns with chronological age. For instance, comparing a hand-wrist X-ray with established standards helps clinicians evaluate if a child’s bones are developing as expected for their age.
This evaluation method plays a vital role in diagnosing and managing growth disorders. It helps identify discrepancies between skeletal and chronological age, potentially indicating underlying medical conditions or predicting adult height. Historically, assessing skeletal maturity relied on manual comparison with atlases; however, advancements in technology have led to automated systems offering enhanced precision and efficiency.