Which department should I visit for a bone age assessment?
Disease description:
My child is already 12 years old, but his height is below average compared to peers, and he hasn't grown much in the past two years. I'd like to take my child to the hospital for a bone age assessment. Which department should I make an appointment with for this test?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
To assess bone age, it is recommended to visit the orthopedic or pediatric department at a hospital. Bone age is determined by taking an X-ray of the wrist and evaluating the developmental stage of ossification centers in the left hand, fingers, carpal bones, and distal ends of the radius and ulna. This helps identify whether bone age is advanced or delayed, and assists doctors in predicting a child's future height. Parents should pay attention to their child's diet, ensuring adequate calcium intake. Calcium-rich foods include milk, yogurt, tofu, dried small fish, and leafy green vegetables. Parents should also regularly take their children to the hospital for physical checkups to monitor growth and development. Additionally, parents should encourage children to participate in outdoor activities such as running, jumping, and swimming to promote healthy bone development.
