Developmental Anatomy of the Radial Bow in Pediatric Patients Using 3D Imaging.

BACKGROUND: While radial bow shape is well characterized in adults, its development in children is not well understood. Previous studies on the radial bow use radiographs, thus, rotational positioning of the forearm could alter bowing measurements. This study used 3D imaging to better assess the pediatric radial bow. METHODS: Computed tomography scans from the New Mexico Decedent Image Database were obtained for ages 2 to 16 (females) and 18 (males) (n=152). 3D models were generated using Slicer and Rhino software. Length of the entire radial bow (bicipital tuberosity to sigmoid notch), maximum radial bow, location of the maximum radial bow (bicipital tuberosity to the point of maximum bowing), and distal, middle, and proximal third radial bows were measured. RESULTS: The length of the entire bow increased with age, with a strong correlation with age ( r =0.90, P <0.01). The maximum bow increased with age, with a strong correlation with age ( r =0.78, P <0.01). The maximum bow normalized to the length of the entire bow increased mildly with age, mean 0.059 ± 0.012 ( r =0.24, P =0.0024), but seems to plateau around age 8. The location of the maximum bow increased with age ( r =0.85, P <0.01). The normalized location of the maximum bow remained constant between ages, with a mean of 0.41 ± 0.10 ( r =0.12, P =0.14). The normalized distal third bow mildly increased with age ( r =0.34, P <0.01), the normalized middle third bow mildly increased with age ( r =0.25, P <0.01), and the normalized proximal third bow remained constant between ages ( r =0.096, P =0.24). CONCLUSIONS: Normalized values for maximum, distal third, and middle third radial bow increase with age, while normalized values for location and proximal third radial bow remain relatively constant, suggesting the proportional shape of the radius changes during development, although qualitatively plateaus after age 8. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study, Level-III.

Does Youth Baseball Result in Morphologic Changes of the Lateral Elbow? A Prospective MRI Study.

BACKGROUND: Stress from overhead throwing results in morphologic changes to the shoulder in youth baseball players. With greater valgus torque stresses, the elbow experiences injuries specifically attributed to throwing. However, no previous work that we know of has assessed throwing-related morphologic changes of the elbow without associated conditions. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Do children who play competitive baseball have enlargement or overgrowth of their radial head shape and/or capitellum compared with the nondominant elbow on MRI? (2) Do children who stop playing year-round baseball have less enlargement of the lateral elbow structures than children who maintain a high level of play? METHODS: A prospective study was conducted between 2015 and 2018 on preadolescent boys who underwent voluntary MRI of their bilateral elbows before the start of the spring baseball season. Twenty-six children agreed to participate out of a four-team league that was asked to participate; their first MRI was obtained at a mean (range) age of 12 years (10 to 13). We also obtained their history related to throwing and performed a physical examination. Players had a mean of 5.6 years of playing before their first MRI, and half the children (13 of 26) were year-round baseball players. Sixty-two percent (16 of 26) reported being either or both a pitcher or catcher as their primary position. No child was excluded from participation. Three years later, these boys were asked to return for repeat MRI and physical examinations. Fifty-eight percent (15 of 26) of players were still playing at the 3-year MRI. Continued play or new onset of pain was documented. Radiographic measurements were then compared between dominant and nondominant arms, and the differences of these changes were compared between those who had continued playing during the study period and those who had quit. The measurements were made in all three planes of the radial head and capitellum, both osseous and cartilaginous. Measurement intrarater and interrater reliability were in the good-to-excellent range (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.77 to 0.98). RESULTS: When we compared dominant and nondominant arms, we found there was no dominant arm overgrowth (difference between baseline and 3-year measurements) in any measurement; for example, sagittal capitellum measurements in dominant arms were 2.5 ± 1.1 mm versus non-dominant arms: 2.8 ± 1.1 mm (mean difference -0.23 [95% CI -0.55 to 0.08]; p = 0.13). There was only undergrowth of the cartilaginous axial diameter of the radial head (change in dominant: 2.5 ± 1.3 mm; change in nondominant: 3.2 ± 1.7 mm; mean difference -0.64 mm [95% CI -1.2 to -0.06]; p = 0.03). There was no enlargement of the lateral elbow structures when children who continued to play were compared with children who stopped playing; for example, the difference in the bone-only growth ratio of the sagittal radial head to humerus of those still playing was 0.001 ± 0.03 and it was 0.01 ± 0.03 for those not playing (mean difference -0.01 [95% CI -0.04 to 0.01]; p = 0.29). CONCLUSION: In healthy children who play baseball for multiple years between the ages of 6 to 11 years, continued torque at the elbow from throwing does not result in morphologic changes as it does in the shoulder. Despite evidence that injuries and surgery because of long-term participation in a throwing sport results in a larger radial head and capitellum, our study presents evidence that outside an injured elbow, throwing alone does not appear to change the morphology of the lateral elbow. Therefore, changes to the radial head size could presuppose other elbow pathology and future study could be performed to better evaluate the correlation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, prognostic study.

Does the Use of Sanders Staging and Distal Radius and Ulna Classification Avoid Mismatches in Growth Assessment with Risser Staging Alone?

BACKGROUND: Although Risser stages are visible on the same radiograph of the spine, Risser staging is criticized for its insensitivity in estimating the remaining growth potential and its weak correlation with curve progression in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Risser staging is frequently accompanied by other skeletal maturity indices to increase its precision for assessing pubertal growth. However, it remains unknown whether there is any discrepancy between various maturity parameters and the extent of this discrepancy when these indices are used concurrently to assess pubertal growth landmarks, which are important for the timing of brace initiation and weaning. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What is the chronologic order of skeletal maturity grades based on the growth rate and curve progression rate in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis? (2) What are the discrepancies among the grades of each maturity index for indicating the peak growth and start of the growth plateau, and how do these indices correspond to each other? (3) What is the effectiveness of Risser staging, Sanders staging, and the distal radius and ulna classification in assessing peak growth and the beginning of the growth plateau? METHODS: Between 2014 and 2017, a total of 13,536 patients diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were treated at our tertiary clinic. Of those, 3864 patients with a radiograph of the left hand and wrist and a posteroanterior radiograph of the spine at the same visits including initial presentation were considered potentially eligible for this study. Minimum follow-up was defined as 6 months from the first visit, and the follow-up duration was defined as 2 years since initial consultation. In all, 48% (1867 of 3864) of patients were eligible, of which 26% (485 of 1867) were excluded because they were prescribed bracing at the first consultation. These patients visited the subsequent clinics wearing the brace, which might have affected body height measurement. Six percent (117 of 1867) of eligible patients were also excluded as their major coronal Cobb angle reached the surgical threshold of 50° and had undergone surgery before skeletal maturity. Another 21% (387 of 1867) of patients were lost before minimum follow-up or had incomplete data, leaving 47% (878) for analysis. These 878 patients with 1139 skeletal maturity assessments were studied; 74% (648 of 878) were girls. Standing body height was measured in a standardized manner by a wall-mounted stadiometer. Several surgeons measured curve magnitude as per routine clinical consultation, skeletal maturity was measured according to the distal radius and ulna classification, and two raters measured Risser and Sanders stages. Reliability tests were performed with satisfaction. Data were collected for the included patients at multiple points when skeletal maturity was assessed, and only up to when brace wear started for those who eventually had bracing. The growth rate and curve progression rate were calculated by the change of body height and major coronal Cobb angle over the number of months elapsed between the initial visit and next follow-up. At each skeletal maturity grading, we examined the growth rate (in centimeters per month) and curve progression rate (in degrees per month) since the skeletal maturity assessment, as well as the mean age at which this maturity grading occurred. Each patient was then individually assessed for whether he or she was experiencing peak growth and the beginning of growth plateau at each timepoint by comparing the calculated growth rate with the previously defined peak growth rate of ≥ 0.7 cm per month and the beginning of growth plateau rate of ≤ 0.15 cm per month in this adolescent idiopathic scoliosis population. Among the timepoints at which the peak growth and the beginning of growth plateau occurred, the median maturity grade of each maturity index was identified as the benchmark grade for comparison between indices. We used the McNemar test to investigate whether pubertal growth landmarks were identified by specific maturity grades concurrently. We assessed the effectiveness of these skeletal maturity indices by the difference in proportions (%) between two benchmark grades in indicating peak growth and the growth plateau. RESULTS: For girls, the chronological order of maturity grades that indicated peak growth was the radius grade, ulna grade, Sanders stage, and Risser stage. Curve progression peaked between the age of 11.6 and 12.1 years at a similar timing by all maturity indices for girls but was inconsistent for boys. For both sexes, radius (R) grade 6, ulna (U) grade 5, Sanders stage (SS) 3, and Risser stage 0+ were the median grades for peak growth, whereas Risser stage 4, R8/9, U7/8, and SS6/7 indicated the beginning of the growth plateau. The largest discrepancy between maturity indices was represented by Risser stage 0+, which corresponded to six grades of the Sanders staging system (SS2 to SS7) and to R6 in only 41% (62 of 152) of girls in the whole cohort. Despite Risser stage 0+ corresponding to the wide range of Sanders and distal radius and ulna grades, none of the R6, U5, SS3, and Risser stage 0+ was found more effective than another grade in indicating the peak growth in girls. R6 most effectively indicated the peak growth in boys, and Risser stage 0+ was the least effective. For the beginning of the growth plateau in girls, SS6/7 was the most effective indicator, followed by U7/8. Risser stage 4 was the least effective because it indicated 29% (95% CI 21% to 36%; p < 0.001) fewer patients who reached the beginning of the growth plateau than did those with R8/9. Risser stage 4 also indicated 36% (95% CI 28% to 43%; p < 0.001) fewer patients who reached the beginning of the growth plateau than those indicated by U7/8, and it identified 39% fewer patients than SS6/7 (95% CI 32% to 47%; p < 0.001). For boys, similarly, R8/9, U7/8, and SS6/7 were all more effective than Risser stage 4 in identifying when the growth plateau began. CONCLUSION: Risser stage 0+ corresponds to a wide range of Sanders and distal radius and ulna grades. Risser stage 0+ is least effective in indicating the peak growth in boys, and Risser stage 4 is the least effective maturity grade for indicating when the growth plateau starts in both sexes. The concurrent use of R6 and SS3 can be useful for detecting the peak growth, and SS6/7 in conjunction with U7/8 is most effective in indicating the beginning of the growth plateau. Using a combination of specific grades of Sanders staging and the distal radius and ulna classification can indicate pubertal growth landmarks with reduced risk of underestimating or overestimating skeletal maturity. These findings may aid in refining clinical decision-making of brace initiation and weaning at a more precise timing. Among Risser stage 0, the appearance of R6, U5, and SS3 provide the most effective assessment of peak growth that can indicate the most effective bracing period within which curve progression occurs. For initiation of the growth plateau, Risser 4 is not useful, and SS6/7, R8/9 and U7/8 should be used instead. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study.

Radius Shaft Fractures-What Alignment is Acceptable at What Age? Plates or Flexible Nails?

INTRODUCTION: The transition from pediatric to adolescent fractures can lead to uncertainty on what level of surgical correction is warranted as remodeling is limited in these older patients. DISCUSSION: Adolescent diaphyseal radial shaft fractures present several unique challenges; the radial bow must be restored to preserve forearm rotation and there are several clinical scenarios where plating, even in the skeletally immature child, is strongly recommended and will have more reliable results over flexible intramedullary nails. In addition, judging how much angulation, rotation, and displacement will remodel in the older child can be a challenging decision, even for experienced pediatric orthopaedists. CONCLUSION: This overview discusses parameters for acceptable alignment in these fractures, when surgical fixation should be considered, and circumstances where plating should be considered over flexible nails.

Distal Radius Physeal Bar and Ulnar Overgrowth: Indications for Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Distal radius physeal bar with associated growth arrest can occur because of fractures, ischemia, infection, radiation, tumor, blood dyscrasias, and repetitive stress injuries. The age of the patient as well as the size, shape, and location of the bony bridge determines the deformity and associated pathology that will develop. METHODS: A search of the English literature was performed using PubMed and multiple search terms to identify manuscripts dealing with the evaluation and treatment of distal radius physeal bars and ulnar overgrowth. Single case reports and level V studies were excluded. RESULTS: Manuscripts evaluating distal radial physeal bars and their management were identified. A growth discrepancy between the radius and ulna can lead to distal radioulnar joint instability, ulnar impaction, and degenerative changes in the carpus and triangular fibrocartilage complex. Advanced imaging aids in the evaluation and mapping of a physeal bar. Treatment options for distal radius physeal bars include observation, bar resection±interposition, epiphysiodeses of the ulna±completion epiphysiodesis of the radius, ulnar shortening osteotomy±diagnostic arthroscopy to manage associated triangular fibrocartilage complex pathology, radius osteotomy, and distraction osteogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Decision-making when presented with a distal radius physeal bar is multifactorial and should incorporate the age and remaining growth potential of the patient, the size and location of the bar, and patient and family expectations.

Longitudinal analysis of pediatric distal radius alignment parameters in a cohort of serial radiographs.

BACKGROUND: Growth in pediatric patients necessitates changes to bony structures throughout the entire body to suit development. Changes in the distal radius during growth are of interest in the pediatric population due to the high incidence of fractures. The purpose of this study was to assess for trends in three radiographic measurements (height of the radial styloid process, radial inclination, ulnar variance) of the distal radius using serial radiographs in subjects aged between 6 and 14 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Longitudinal radiographs from 68 healthy children (n = 34 males, 34 females) with a minimal of three annual radiographs between 6 and 14 years of age were analyzed. Measurements of height of the radial styloid process, radial inclination, and ulnar variance were performed in each available radiograph. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to measure the association between alignment values and subject age. RESULTS: A total of 436 images in 68 subjects were analyzed, comprising a mean of 6.5 ± 2.0 radiographs per subject. Repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated that all measurement variables changed significantly with age (p < .001). Ulnar variance demonstrated the most variability with negative ulnar variance in younger children, and trends towards a more neutral ulnar variance by approximately 7 years in females and 11 years in males, while height of the radial styloid process and radial inclination changed relatively minimally with development. CONCLUSIONS: In the adolescent age range, ulnar variance, height of the radial styloid process and inclination are all relatively stable and adult parameter values can be used to judge restoration of distal radius alignment.

A longitudinal comparison of appendicular bone growth and markers of strength through adolescence in a South African cohort using radiogrammetry and pQCT.

To compare growth patterns and strength of weight- and non-weight-bearing bones longitudinally. Irrespective of sex and ethnicity, metacarpal growth was similar to that of the non-weight-bearing radius but differed from that of the weight-bearing tibia. Weight- and non-weight-bearing bones have different growth and strength patterns. INTRODUCTION: Functional loading modulates bone size and strength. METHODS: To compare growth patterns and strength of weight- and non-weight-bearing bones longitudinally, we performed manual radiogrammetry of the second metacarpal on hand-wrist radiographs and measured peripheral quantitative computed tomography images of the radius (65%) and tibia (38% and 65%), annually on 372 black and 152 white South African participants (ages 12-20 years). We aligned participants by age from peak metacarpal length velocity. We assessed bone width (BW, mm); cortical thickness (CT, mm); medullary width (MW, mm); stress-strain index (SSI, mm3); and muscle cross-sectional area (MCSA, mm2). RESULTS: From 12 to 20 years, the associations between metacarpal measures (BW, CT and SSI) and MCSA at the radius (males R2 = 0.33-0.45; females R2 = 0.12-0.20) were stronger than the tibia (males R2 = 0.01-0.11; females R2 = 0.007-0.04). In all groups, radial BW, CT and MW accrual rates were similar to those of the metacarpal, except in white females who had lower radial CT (0.04 mm/year) and greater radial MW (0.06 mm/year) accrual. In all groups, except for CT in white males, tibial BW and CT accrual rates were greater than at the metacarpal. Tibial MW (0.29-0.35 mm/year) increased significantly relative to metacarpal MW (- 0.07 to 0.06 mm/year) in males only. In all groups, except white females, SSI increased in each bone. CONCLUSION: Irrespective of sex and ethnicity, metacarpal growth was similar to that of the non-weight-bearing radius but differed from that of the weight-bearing tibia. The local and systemic factors influencing site-specific differences require further investigation. Graphical abstract.

Carpals and epiphyses of radius and ulna as age indicators using longitudinal data: a Bayesian approach.

The aim of this study is to develop a new formula for age estimation in a longitudinal study of a sample from the radiological collection of wrist bones of growing infants, children, and adolescents recorded at the Burlington Growth Centre. A sample of 82 individuals (43 boys and 39 girls), aged between 3 and 16 years, were analyzed with a total of 623 X-rays of left hand-wrist bones by measuring the area of carpal bones and epiphyses of the ulna and radius (Bo) and carpal area (Ca). The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and its 95% confidence interval were used to evaluate intra-observer agreement. Hierarchical Bayesian calibration has been adopted to exceed the bias deriving from the classical regression approach used for age estimation in forensic disciplines, since it tends to overestimate or underestimate the age of the individuals. Calibration distributions of the dataset obtained by the evaluation of BoCa (the ratio of Bo and Ca) suggested mean absolute errors (MAE) of 1.07 and 1.34 years in boys and girls, respectively. The mean interquartile range (MIQR) was 1.7 and 2.42 years in boys and girls, respectively. The respective bias of the estimates was ßERR = - 0.025 and - 0.074. Furthermore, a correspondence between different BoCa values and estimated age with its standard deviation (SD) was calculated for boys and girls, respectively. In conclusion, the Bayesian calibration method appears to be suitable for assessing both age and its distribution in subadults, according to hand-wrist maturity. Furthermore, it can easily incorporate other age predictors, obtaining a distribution of the subjects with multivariate predictors.

Effect of Long-Term Diving on the Morphology and Growth of the Distal Radial Epiphyseal Plate of Young Divers: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of long-term diving on the morphology and growth of the distal radial epiphyseal plate in young divers. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Guangzhou Sport University. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-eight professional divers, aged 10 to 17 years, and 25 age-matched volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: Each subject received a physical examination at the beginning of the study and underwent bilateral magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist. The divers were divided into 2 groups depending on the status of the epiphyseal plate: group A (positive distal radial epiphyseal plate injury) and group B (no positive distal radial epiphyseal plate injury). A third group, group C, consisted of the 25 volunteers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The frequency of distal radial epiphyseal plate injury and the thickness of the distal radial epiphyseal plate were analyzed across the 3 groups. RESULTS: Twenty-nine cases (29/76, 38.15%) of distal radial epiphyseal plate injury were observed in 20 divers (20/38, 52.63%). The incidence of injury to the right hand was higher than that for the left (P = 0.009). There were statistically significant differences (P = 0.000) among the 3 groups in terms of epiphyseal plate thickness; group A > group B > group C. CONCLUSIONS: Distal radial epiphyseal plate injury is common in divers, and more injuries are seen in the right hand. Moreover, growth of the radius was impaired in divers relative to controls. We consider that loading during diving may influence growth of the epiphyseal plate in either a transient or permanent manner.

Reliability of the Greulich and Pyle method for chronological age estimation and age majority prediction in a Spanish sample.

Estimating the forensic age of living individuals is ever more important in forensic practice, due to the ongoing increase of migratory flows, amongst other causes. Using the Greulich and Pyle method on a sample of 1150 individuals of the Spanish population (n = 560, 0-18 years for girls, and n = 590, 0-19 years for boys), the mean difference between the bone and chronological ages was obtained: 0.01 years (- 0.81, + 0.92) for girls and 0.33 years (- 1.15, + 0.34) for boys. For a same class of age and sex, the inherent variability was also evaluated: [Formula: see text] (0.41-1.25) for girls and [Formula: see text]years (0.36-1.76) for boys. To minimise systematic errors with regard to the reference population, adjustment factors are proposed for each age and sex. A sequential classification criterion based on decision trees is postulated to improve reliability in the prediction of maturity. Implementation of the decision criterion in three categories enables the doubtful individuals to be separated into the category of "undetermined" and to satisfactorily classify in the categories of "mature" and "under age": 0.96 (0.86-0.99) specificity; 1.00 (0.92-1.00) specificity; and 1.00 (0.92-1.00) predictive value.

Curve Progression in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Does Not Match Skeletal Growth.

BACKGROUND: Determining the peak growth velocity of a patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is important for timely treatment to prevent curve progression. It is important to be able to predict when the curve-progression risk is greatest to maximize the benefits of any intervention for AIS. The distal radius and ulna (DRU) classification has been shown to accurately predict skeletal growth. However, its utility in predicting curve progression and the rate of progression in AIS is unknown. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What is the relationship between radius and ulna grades to growth rate (body height and arm span) and curve progression rate? (2) When does peak curve progression occur in relation to peak growth rate as measured by months and by DRU grades? (3) How many months and how many DRU grades elapse between peak curve progression and plateau? METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a longitudinally maintained dataset of growth and Cobb angle data of patients with AIS who presented with Risser Stages 0 to 3 and were followed to maturity at Risser Stage 5 at a single institute with territory-wide school screening service. From June 2014 to March 2016, a total of 513 patients with AIS fulfilled study inclusion criteria. Of these, 195 were treated with bracing at the initial presentation and were excluded. A total of 318 patients with AIS (74% girls) with a mean age of 12 ± 1.5 years were studied. For analysis, only data from initial presentation to commencement of intervention were recorded. Data for patients during the period of bracing or after surgery were not used for analysis to eliminate potential interventional confounders. Of these 318 patients, 192 were observed, 119 were braced, and seven underwent surgery. Therefore 192 patients (60.4%) who were observed were followed up until skeletal maturity at Risser Stage 5; no patients were lost to followup. The mean curve magnitude at baseline was 21.6 ± 4.8. Mean followup before commencing intervention or skeletal maturity was 4.3 ± 2.3 years. Standing body height, arm span, curve magnitude, Risser stage, and DRU classification were studied. A subgroup analysis of 83 patients inclusive of acceleration, peak, and deceleration progression phases for growth and curve progression was studied to determine any time lag between growth and curve progression. Results were described in mean ± SD. RESULTS: There was positive correlation between growth rate and curve progression rate for body height (r = 0.26; p < 0.001) and arm span (r = 0.26; p < 0.001). Peak growth for body height occurred at radius grade (R) 6 (0.56 ± 0.29 cm/month) and ulna grade (U) 4 (0.65 ± 0.31 cm/month); peak change in arm span occurred at R5 (0.67 ± 0.33 cm/month) and U3 (0.67 ± 0.22 cm/month); and peak curve progression matched with R7 (0.80 ± 0.89 cm/month) and U5 (0.84 ± 0.78 cm/month). Subgroup analysis confirmed that peak curve progression lagged behind peak growth rate by approximately 7 months or one DRU grade. The mean time elapsed between the peak curve progression rate and the plateau phase at R9 U7 was approximately 16 months, corresponding to two DRU grades. CONCLUSIONS: By using a standard skeletal maturity parameter in the DRU classification, this study showed that the maximal curve progression occurs after the peak growth spurt, suggesting that the curve should be monitored closely even after peak growth. In addition, the period of potential curve continuing progression extends nearly 1.5 years beyond the peak growth phase until skeletal maturity. Future studies may evaluate whether by observing the trend of growth and curve progression rates, we can improve the outcomes of interventions like bracing for AIS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prognostic study.

Longitudinal Growth and pQCT Measures in Hutterite Children and Grandchildren Are Associated With Prevalence of Hip or Knee Replacement Resulting From Osteoarthritis in Parents and Grandparents.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. Several genes are associated with the development of OA, and previous studies have shown adult children of individuals with OA have higher areal bone mineral density (BMD). Because childhood is an important period of growth and bone development, and body composition is known to be associated with BMD, we speculated that there may be differences in growth and bone measures among young children with a genetic predisposition to OA. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Do differences exist at baseline in anthropometric and peripheral quantitative CT (pQCT) measurements between children and grandchildren of individuals with OA and controls? (2) Do children and grandchildren of individuals with OA accrue bone longitudinally at a different rate than controls? METHODS: Longitudinal anthropometric (height, weight) and bone (cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD and cross-sectional area) measurements by pQCT were obtained at baseline and 18 and 36 months on children (n = 178) and grandchildren (n = 230) of 23 individuals with hip or knee arthroplasty resulting from OA and 23 sex-matched controls (16 females each). Grandchildren (age, 8-30 years) were further categorized as growing (premenarcheal or male < 14 years, n = 99) or mature (≥ 2 years postmenarchal or males ≥ 18 years, n = 96). The remaining 35 grandchildren could not be categorized and were excluded. RESULTS: Mature granddaughters and grandsons of individuals with OA had greater trabecular volumetric BMD than controls (236 ± 24 and 222 ± 26 mg/cm, respectively, for granddaughters, difference of 14 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1-28] mg/cm, p = 0.041 and 270 ± 22 and 248 ± 30 mg/cm, respectively, for grandsons, difference of 22 [95% CI, 1-42] mg/cm, p = 0.040). Greater trabecular volumetric BMD was observed in daughters of individuals with OA compared with daughters of controls (228 ± 28 and 212 ± 33 mg/cm, respectively, difference of 18 [95% CI, 3-30] mg/cm, respectively [p = 0.021]). Growing granddaughters and grandsons of controls had greater decreases in cortical volumetric BMD than grandchildren of individuals with OA (time-by-group [TG] based on mixed model [± standard error] -9.7 ± 4.3 versus -0.8 ± 4.4 mg/cm/year, respectively, for granddaughters, difference of 9.0 [95% CI, 2.4-15.5] mg/cm/year, p = 0.007 and -6.8 ± 3.3 versus 4.5 ± 3.4 mg/cm/year, respectively, for grandsons, difference of 11.3 [95% CI, 4.3-18.3] mg/cm/year, p = 0.002). Cortical volumetric BMD was maintained in sons of individuals with OA, but decreased in sons of controls (-0.0 ± 1.5 versus -4.3 ± 1.0 mg/cm/year, respectively, difference of 4.3 [95% CI, 0.7-7.8] mg/cm/year, p = 0.019 [TG]). There was a greater apparent decrease in cross-sectional area among daughters of individuals with OA than in controls (-4.6 ± 0.9 versus -1.7 ± 0.9 mm/year, respectively, difference of -2.9 [95% CI, -5.3 to -0.6] mm/year, p = 0.015 [TG]). CONCLUSIONS: Several anthropometric and bone differences exist between children and grandchildren of individuals with OA and controls. If these differences are confirmed in additional studies, it would be important to identify the mechanism so that preventive measures could be developed and implemented to slow or reduce OA development. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Differences in growth and bone development may lead to increased loads on cartilage that may predispose offspring to the development of OA. If these differences are confirmed in additional studies, it would be important to identify the mechanism so that preventive measures could be developed and implemented to slow or reduce OA development.

Physeal Bar Resection Under Guidance With a Navigation System and Endoscopy for Correction of Distal Radial Deformities After Partial Growth Plate Arrest.

Partial growth plate arrest caused by trauma may lead to severe deformity and dysfunction. The Langenskiöld method is a surgical technique that involves resection of the physeal bar causing partial growth plate arrest. However, it is a technically demanding procedure. We used the Langenskiöld method under guidance with a navigation system and endoscopy and obtained good results in 2 cases. We consider that use of these tools can be a helpful adjunct to the carrying out this procedure.

Age-dependent alterations in osteoblast and osteoclast activity in human cancellous bone.

It is assumed that the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts is decreased in bone tissue of aged individuals. However, detailed investigation of the molecular signature of human bone from young compared to aged individuals confirming this assumption is lacking. In this study, quantitative expression analysis of genes related to osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis of human cancellous bone derived from the distal radius of young and aged individuals was performed. Furthermore, we additionally performed immunohistochemical stainings. The young group included 24 individuals with an average age of 23.2 years, which was compared to cancellous bone derived from 11 body donators with an average age of 81.0 years. In cancellous bone of young individuals, the osteogenesis-related genes RUNX-2, OSTERIX, OSTEOPONTIN and OSTEOCALCIN were significantly up-regulated compared to aged individuals. In addition, RANKL and NFATc1, both markers for osteoclastogenesis, were significantly induced in cancellous bone of young individuals, as well as the WNT gene family member WNT5a and the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-9. However, quantitative RT-PCR analysis of BMP-2, ALP, FGF-2, CYCLIN-D1, MMP-13, RANK, OSTEOPROTEGERIN and TGFb1 revealed no significant difference. Furthermore, Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was performed which indicated an increased osteoclast activity in cancellous bone of young individuals. In addition, pentachrome stainings revealed significantly less mineralized bone matrix, more osteoid and an increased bone density in young individuals. In summary, markers related to osteogenesis as well as osteoclastogenesis were significantly decreased in the aged individuals. Thus, the present data extends the knowledge about reduced bone regeneration and healing capacity observed in aged individuals.

Automated determination of bone age from hand X-rays at the end of puberty and its applicability for age estimation.

The BoneXpert method for automated determination of bone age from hand X-rays was introduced in 2009, covering the Greulich-Pyle bone age ranges up to 17 years for boys and 15 years for girls. This paper presents an extension of the method up to bone age 19 years for boys and 18 years for girls. The extension was developed based on images from the First Zurich Longitudinal Study of 231 healthy children born in 1954-1956 and followed with annual X-rays of both hands until adulthood. The method was validated on two cross-sectional studies of healthy children from Rotterdam and Los Angeles. We found root mean square deviations from manual rating of 0.69 and 0.45 years in these two studies for boys in the bone age range 17-19 years. For girls, the deviations were 0.75 and 0.59 years, respectively, in the bone age range 15-18 years. It is shown how the automated bone age method can be applied to infer the age probability distribution for healthy Caucasian European males. Considering a population with age 15.0-21.0 years, the method can be used to decide whether the subject is above 18 years with a false positive rate (children classified as adults) of 10 % (95% confidence interval = 7-13%) and a false negative rate of 30 % (adults classified as children). To apply this method in other ethnicities will require a study of the average of "bone age - age" at the end of puberty, i.e. how much this population is shifted relative to the Greulich-Pyle standard.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the distal radial epiphysis: a new criterion of maturity for determining whether the age of 18 has been completed?

To improve the accuracy of forensic age estimation where there is no legal basis for carrying out x-ray examinations, it would be useful to establish non-x-ray imaging techniques. The objective of this study was to provide reference data for the magnetic resonance imaging-based evaluation of the ossification stage of the distal radius. Furthermore, we tested a new criterion of the maturity of the distal radial epiphysis for determining whether an individual has completed the age of 18. We investigated 668 MRI scans of the distal radial epiphysis from 333 female and 335 male subjects ranging in age from 12 to 24. To determine the ossification stage, we used the clavicular ossification staging systems described by Schmeling et al. and Kellinghaus et al. Ossification stage IV as described by Schmeling et al. was divided into two sub-stages, IVa and IVb, depending on whether or not it was possible to identify a triple-banded meta-epiphyseal zone of calcification. All study subjects were able to be assigned to an ossification stage without ambiguity. We present statistics relating to the distribution of ossification stages divided by sex. The age of the youngest female subject assessed as ossification stage IVb was 16.8, the age of the youngest male subject 18.6. The youngest age at which female subjects were assessed as ossification stage V was 22.3; for male subjects it was 23.1. Further independent studies should be carried out to determine whether ossification stage IVb can indeed be used to reliably determine whether a male subject has completed the age of 18.

Forensic age assessment of asylum seekers in Finland.

In Finland, forensic age assessment is strictly regulated by legislation. According to the Aliens Act (301/2004) and the amendment of the Act (549/2010), the police authorities, the frontier guard authorities, and the immigration authorities have the right to refer asylum seekers to the University of Helsinki, Department of Forensic Medicine, for age assessment. These assessments are especially performed to solve if the person is of major age, the cutoff being 18 completed years. The forensic age assessment is largely based on dental development, since the special permit of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) to the Department of Forensic Medicine of the University of Helsinki, allowing the use of ionizing radiation for non-medical purposes, includes dental and hand X-rays. Forensic age assessment is always performed by two forensic odontologists. In 2015, the total number of forensic age assessment examinations was 149, and the countries of origin of the asylum seekers were most commonly Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia. The current legislation on forensic age assessment has been well received and approved. Radiological and other examinations can be performed in different parts of Finland, but the forensic odontologist at the University of Helsinki is always involved in the process and ensures joint quality standards for the forensic age assessment.

Bone Traits Seem to Develop Also During the Third Decade in Life-Normative Cross-Sectional Data on 1083 Men Aged 18-28 Years.

By identifying individuals with low peak bone mass (PBM) at young age, early targeted interventions to reduce future fracture risk could be possible. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) is in many ways superior to the gold standard dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), as cortical and trabecular compartments as well as the volumetric density and bone structure can be examined separately. Because each of these traits contributes independently to bone strength, it is probable that pQCT provides an even better fracture risk estimation than DXA. Currently, the clinical applications of pQCT are limited partly because comprehensive normative pQCT data, especially in young men, are not readily available. We therefore set up a study in young men with the following objectives: (1) to identify peak ages in pQCT bone traits with special reference to PBM and peak bone strength; and (2) to provide normative pQCT data. We measured volumetric bone mineral density and structural parameters at ultradistal (trabecular bone) and diaphyseal radius and tibia (cortical bone) by pQCT scans (Stratec XCT2000®; Stratec Medizintechnik GmbH, Pforzheim, Germany) in a population-based age-stratified sample of 1083 men aged 18-28 yr residing in greater Malmö, Sweden. Group differences in 1-yr classes were evaluated by analysis of variance. We found similar bone traits in age groups at ultradistal sites whereas most bone traits at diaphyseal sites were higher with higher ages, however with different increment patterns depending on the specific trait. In Swedish young adult men, we found that different bone traits continued to change after age 18, but at different rates, indicating that peak areal bone mineral density (as measured by DXA) and peak bone strength may be reached at different ages.

The persistence of epiphyseal scars in the distal radius in adult individuals.

The use of radiographic imaging in the estimation of chronological age facilitates the analysis of structures not visible on gross morphological inspection. Following the completion of epiphyseal fusion, a thin radio-opaque band, the epiphyseal scar, may be observed at the locus of the former growth plate. The obliteration of this feature has previously been interpreted as the final stage of skeletal maturation and consequently has been included as a criterion in several methods of age estimation, particularly from the distal radius. Due to the recommendations relating to age estimation in living individuals, accurate assessment of age from the distal radius is of great importance in human identification; however, the validity of the interpretation of the obliteration of the epiphyseal scar as an age-related process has not been tested. A study was undertaken to assess the persistence of epiphyseal scars in adults between 20 and 50 years of age through the assessment of 616 radiographs of left and right distal radii from a cross-sectional population. This study found that 86% of females and 78% of males retained some remnant of the epiphyseal scar in the distal radius. The relationships between chronological age, biological sex and the persistence of the epiphyseal scar were not statistically significant. The findings of this study indicate that the epiphyseal scars may persist in adult individuals until at least 50 years of age. No maximum age should therefore be applied to the persistence of an epiphyseal scar in the distal radius.

Contribution of magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist and hand to forensic age assessment.

Forensic age estimation of living individuals is a controversial subject because of the imprecision of the available methods which leads to errors. Moreover, young persons are exposed to radiation, without diagnostic or therapeutic advantage. Recently, non-invasive imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been studied in this context. The aim of this work was to study if the analysis of wrist/hand MRI enabled determination of whether a subject was 18 years old. Two observers retrospectively analyzed metaphyseal-epiphyseal fusion of the distal epiphysis of the radius and the ulna and the base of the first metacarpus in wrist/hand MRI of living people between 9 and 25 years of age. A three-stage scoring system was applied to all epiphyses. Intra- and inter-observer variability was excellent. Staging of the distal radial epiphysis allowed the subjects to be correctly evaluated with regard to the 18-year-old threshold in more than 85 % of cases. Analysis of the radius alone was as good as the analysis of the three epiphyses together. Evaluation of the metaphyseal-epiphyseal fusion of the distal radius in wrist MRI gave good results in forensic age estimation. Wrist MRI could meet ethical expectations with regard to the link between the benefit and risk of practicing radiologic examination on individuals in this context.