The optimal age for children's bone age assessment
Disease description:
I feel my son is shorter than other children his age, and I'm worried that he might not be developing properly. I'd like to take him for a bone age assessment. So, what is the best age for a child to have a bone age evaluation?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
The optimal age for pediatric bone age assessment varies depending on the individual child's condition and needs. Generally, between 3 and 15 years of age is an important period for bone age evaluation. Between ages 3 and 10, children who show abnormal growth and development—such as short stature, excessive height, obesity, or precocious puberty—should undergo bone age assessment to detect potential issues early and allow timely intervention. For children before the onset of puberty, such as girls around age 8 and boys around age 10, bone age assessment can help determine whether their growth and development are consistent with their chronological age and predict their potential for future height gain.
During adolescence, between ages 12 and 15, bone age evaluation helps monitor the progress of growth and development, assess whether the growth plates are nearing closure, and provide guidance for further treatment and intervention. Children with concerns about their height should seek medical advice promptly.
