Is it still necessary to measure bone age at 20 years old?
Sep 22, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Jianjun
Introduction
In general, there is no need to measure bone age at 20 years old. The most appropriate age for bone age assessment is between 13 and 15 years. By age 20, skeletal maturity has been reached, and the timing for both appearance and closure of the epiphyseal plates has already passed, making bone age evaluation largely meaningless at this stage. The primary ossification centers appear during the embryonic period, and after birth, the epiphyseal plates gradually emerge.
Generally speaking, there is no need to measure bone age at the age of 20. The detailed explanation is as follows:
The most appropriate age for measuring bone age is between 13 and 15 years old. By age 20, a person has reached adulthood, and the timing for observing the appearance and closure of growth plates (epiphyseal lines) has already passed; thus, measuring bone age at this stage holds little clinical significance. Primary ossification centers typically appear during the embryonic period. In newborns, epiphyseal lines begin to emerge sequentially, allowing assessment of bone age based on their order of appearance. For example, in newborns, epiphyseal lines appear in bones such as the tibia, talus, femur, and calcaneus. After one year of age, they appear in the femur and humerus. At ages 2, 3, and 4, they appear progressively in the patella, metacarpals, and lunate bone, respectively. By tracking the sequence of their appearance, a child's chronological age and growth status can be roughly assessed.
If any skeletal discomfort occurs, individuals are advised to seek medical attention promptly and receive standardized treatment under a physician’s guidance, which helps promote recovery.
