Gelenk-Klinik

With the aid of the skeleton-age-determination, you can determine easily and exactly how tall children and adolescents will probably be and if the results correspond with the normal values.

To that end a conventional x-ray picture of the hand is analysed with a special computer programme, assessing the state of maturity of the growth cartilage. Using certain parameters the stage of development of the skeleton system can be determined.

The analysis helps with the prognosis and forms the basis for further eventual -e.g. endocrinologic measures. These results are essential for performing planned orthopaedic operations. Additionally, an analysis provides information on the bone density in youths and their tendency for osteoporosis in young years. It is sensible to determine the bone age between the fifth and the fifteenth year. Genetic factors and body weight also play and important role and the examination should be repeated after a period of about 2 years to be on the safe side.

The earlier such tendencies are recognised and treated the more successful the therapy usually is.

With certain orthopaedic diseases the choice of therapy often depends on the skeleton's stage of development. Especially with scolioses the expected body size is essential for the course of the disease and thanks to this examination the therapeutic measures can be individually co-ordinated and changed if necessary.