Radiographic Assessment of Skeletal Maturation Using Shoulder-region Ossification Centers in Nigerian Children
Zenebo Ayibapreye
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Bariereyiga Nadum Yirate
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Gospel Uchechukwu Collins *
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Atana-Delime Faith Seminame
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Skeletal maturation is influenced by population, sex and environmental factors. Therefore, reference standards may not accurately reflect developmental patterns. Assessment of shoulder ossification centres may provide indicators of skeletal maturity. The aim of the study was to assess the chronological appearance of ossification centres in the shoulder region among Nigerian children and compare the observed ages with established reference standards.
Methodology: A radiographic study was conducted using shoulder and upper-arm radiographs of Nigerian children aged 1 month–15 years. The ossification status of nine centres: the medial end of the clavicle, coracoid process, glenoid cavity, inferior angle and medial border of the scapula, acromion process, and the head, greater tubercle, and lesser tubercle of the humerus was assessed by age and sex. Observed ages were compared descriptively with established standards.
Results: In males, the ages of appearance were 2 months for the coracoid process and head of the humerus, 2 years for the greater tubercle, 3 years for the lesser tubercle, 12 years for the glenoid cavity, 13 years for the inferior angle, acromion process and medial border of the scapula, and 14 years for the medial end of the clavicle. In females, corresponding ages were 1 month, 1 month, 1 year, 4 years, 10 years, 10 years, 12 years, 10 years and 14 years, respectively. Several centres appeared earlier than reference standards.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a sequential pattern of shoulder-region ossification and sex-related differences in observed timing among Nigerian children. Larger studies with evenly distributed samples are needed to establish population-specific reference values for skeletal maturation assessment.
Keywords: Skeletal maturation, ossification centres, bone age, shoulder region, Nigerian children