A number of systems for estimating bone age are available, but all use comparisons of the maturity of a number of epiphysial centres with standard radiographs and, from these, derive an average maturity score. Since a number of centres are conveniently available in the hand and wrist, radiographs from these areas are usually used to make such as assessment. The hand of a girl with precocious puberty is shown in Fig. 14.5; she has the maturity of a girl of ten years of age, which means that eighty-three per cent of her growth has already taken place. She now measures 128cm, which: is tall for her chronological age but short for her bone age. Her final height will be short and is estimated to be approximately 154cm.
