Pitfalls in the assessment of skeletal immaturity: an anthropologic case study.
Nonoperative treatment protocols in adolescent scoliosis require that growth is still occurring. The open iliac apophyses and vertebral ring apophyses are usually considered evidence that growth remains. Studies of adolescent skeletons are not consistent with this view, and one such example is presented. Of clinical importance is that determinant of immaturity should be based on the secondary sexual characteristics, not roentgenographic shadows.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000365:Age Determination by Skeleton; D000375:Aging; D000885:Anthropology, Physical; D001846:Bone Development; D001915:Braces; D004838:Epiphyses / Q000254:growth & development; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium / Q000254:growth & development; D008297:Male; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000628:therapy; D013977:Tibia / Q000254:growth & development