Atlasbased Methods or TW3?- Estimation of Bone age in Brazilians

Abstract

To compare the methods of Greulich-Pyle (GP), the Venezuelan Atlas of Bone Maturation (VA), and Tanner-Whitehouse (TW3-RUS), for age estimation in Brazilians. Methodology: A sample of 240 carpal radiographs from individuals of both sexes (129 females and 111 males), with chronological ages (CA) between 84 to 199 months (7 - 16.5 years old) was used. Bone ages were calculated using GP, VA and TW3-RUS methods. Mean differences between CA and estimated bone ages were calculated. There was a positive and statistically significant correlation between CA and bone ages (0.89 - 0.94). An age overestimation was observed by all methods in girls. In boys, overestimation was observed using the VA, while GP and TW3-RUS underestimated age. There was a significant difference between CA and bone ages estimated by GP and VA in both sexes (girls: GP -6.89, -6.41 AV; boys: GP 4.45; VA-5, 06). For TW3-RUS it was only significant for girls (-2.94 girls; boys 1.56). Conclusions: TW3-RUS method resulted in more accurate age estimation. It is recommended to use the calculated regression equations for a better fit between inferred ages through the studied methods and the individual´s real ages.