Question
Here is an X-ray of a child with scoliosis. Can you estimate the age of the child from the X-ray? Does it matter if the X-ray is taken of both hands? The child is 7 years and 9 months old!
Answer
Throughout a person’s life, there are two rapid growth periods, occurring before the age of 2 and during adolescence. During adolescence, males typically grow an average of 28-30 centimeters, while females grow an average of 25-27 centimeters. After girls start menstruating and boys start seminal emission, the growth rate slows down, eventually reaching about 5-7 centimeters. Generally, girls around the age of 16 and boys around the age of 18, when the diaphysis and epiphysis are nearly completely fused, growth approaches its end. Subsequent growth hormones no longer have an effect, and height growth is also limited.