Radiologic Assessment of Bone Age in Nigerian Children Using the Ossification Centers of the Elbow Region
Zenebo Ayibapreye
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Atana-Delime Faith Seminame
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.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Bone age assessment is used to estimate skeletal maturity and may support paediatric growth evaluation, clinical interpretation, and forensic age estimation. Because the timing of ossification may vary by sex and population, population-specific observations are important.
Objective: To assess bone age in Nigerian children using the ossification centres of the elbow and compare the earliest observed ages of appearance between males and females and with the reference standard used in the study.
Methodology: This retrospective descriptive study evaluated 93 archived anteroposterior and lateral elbow radiographs from 48 males and 45 females aged 2 months to 11 years. Six secondary ossification centres—the capitellum, radial head, medial epicondyle, trochlea, olecranon, and lateral epicondyle—were assessed for radiographic appearance.
Results: In males, the earliest observed ages were 2 months for the capitellum, 2 years for the radial head, 5 years for the medial epicondyle, 7 years for the trochlea, 9 years for the olecranon, and 11 years for the lateral epicondyle. In females, the corresponding ages were 3 months, 2 years, 3 years, 5 years, 9 years, and 11 years. The medial epicondyle and trochlea appeared earlier in females, while several centres were observed earlier than the reference ranges used in the study.
Conclusion: The findings indicate sex-related and population-related variation in elbow ossification timing. Larger studies are needed before definitive Nigerian normative standards can be established.
Keywords: Bone age, skeletal maturation, ossification centers, elbow radiography, Nigerian children