Bone Age X-Ray
Explanation
A bone age, also called skeletal age, is determined by taking an x-ray (picture) of the left hand and wrist. There are many bones and growth plates (openings between your bones) in your hand and wrist that allow you to grow. The doctor can tell from the x-ray how much time a child has left to grow.
Your body makes many hormones that change the way your x-ray looks as you get older. As you age, your body makes more and more hormones. These hormones make the size of your growth plates shrink. They also cause changes in your bones and form new bones. Your child's doctor will look at all of these changes when he/she looks at the x-ray.
Sometimes your body does not make the right amount of hormones for your real age. When this happens, your bone age might be older or younger than your real age.
If there is a difference between your child's real age and the bone age, the x-ray will help the doctor decide how to care for your child.
Before the X-ray
This test does not require any special preparation. There are no food or drink limits. Your child may wear whatever he/she is comfortable in to the test.
A bone age is often ordered by the doctor during your child's visit with him/her and taken that same day.
The x-ray is not painful and will take just a few moments to complete.
During the X-ray
The bone age x-ray is taken in radiology. Your child will be asked to sit on a stool and to wear a heavy "apron" to cover the front of his/her body. This "apron" will protect him/her from radiation during the x-ray.
Your child will be asked to place his/her left hand on the x-ray machine and spread his/her fingers. The technician will shine a light on your child's hand to help him/her take the picture. They will leave your child's side for a brief moment while the x-ray (picture) is taken.
After the X-ray
Your doctor will read the x-ray and notify you by phone, or mail the results to you.
If your child had additional tests done, your doctor may wait until all results are received before deciding on a plan of care.
Contact Us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Rev. 5/08
