Estimation of Bone Age using Ultrasonic Method

Shin, Hyun Jung; Choe, Byung Kyu; Kim, Heung Sik; Lee, Hee Jung

Abstract

PURPOSE: In evaluating the children with short stature, estimation of bone age is the primary step. Conventionally, radiologist estimates the bone age by comparing the radiographic image (left hand) of the child with the age-standardized atlas or by summing up the points given to individual bones of the hand and wrist. This method needs a skilled radiologist, causes radiation exposure, and it may take time. Recently, commercial ultrasonic method to estimate the bone age (BonAge(R), Sunlight Medical Ltd. Israel) was developed. We intended to compare the estimated bone ages using different methods-by radiographic and ultrasonographic methods.
METHODS
One hundred and one boys and 108 girls over 5 years (all Koreans) who visited pediatric department from December 2004 to March 2005 for evaluation of short stature were evaluated. The radiologist estimated the bone age with Tanner-Whitehouse 2 method (Korean version). The ultrasonography was done in outpatient base by residents in pediatric department. We calculated the Pearson's correlation coefficients between each age and sex groups and compared the mean of each group by paired t-test.
RESULTS
Ultrasonic bone age estimation was well correlated with radiologic method and was concordant with radiologic estimates in boys under age 12 and premenarchal girls of all ages and in postmenarchal girls under age 14.
CONCLUSION
BonAge system could be easily performed without radiation. Further observation to more patients will be needed to see the accuracy of bone age estimation between ultrasonography and radiologic methods in older age group of Korean children.