title: A computerized image analysis system for estimating Tanner-Whitehouse 2 bone age.
abstract: A method for assigning Tanner-Whitehouse 2 skeletal maturity scores (or bone ages) to hand-wrist X-rays by an image analysis computer system is described. An operator positions the relevant area of the X-ray on a light box beneath a video camera. Correct positioning is assured by computer templates of each bone stage. Thereafter the process is automatic; the computer, not the operator, rates the bones. The system produces continuous stage scores, not discrete ones such as B, C or D. Data are given which show that the computer-assisted skeletal age score is more repeatable than the usual manual (or unassisted) rating. The absolute difference between duplicates averaged 0.25 stages; differences of as much as 1.0 stage occurred in only 3% of duplicates compared with 15% obtained in manual ratings.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Education, University of London, UK.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Tanner
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Gibbons
mesh_terms: D000365:Age Determination by Skeleton / Q000379:methods*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D011884:Radius / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015203:Reproducibility of Results