The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 70, Issue 4 520-525, Copyright © 1988 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Growth and predictions of growth in the upper extremity
JW Pritchett
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle.
Teleroentgenograms of the upper extremity in 244 children (123 boys and 121
girls) were made at six-month intervals from the age of seven to the time
of skeletal maturity. Lengths were measured to determine the growth
remaining at both growth plates of the humerus, radius, and ulna. The
subjects were healthy, well nourished, middle-class Americans, mostly of
northwest European descent. After the age of seven, the proportion between
the upper and lower arms does not change appreciably. The humerus is 18 per
cent of standing height in girls at the age of seven and 19 per cent at the
age of fifteen. In boys, the humerus is 18 per cent of standing height at
the age of seven and 20 per cent at the age of seventeen. The length of the
radius is 13 per cent of standing height in girls at the age of seven,
increasing to 14 per cent by skeletal maturity. In boys, the length of the
radius increases from 14 per cent of standing height at the age of seven to
15 per cent at skeletal maturity. From the age of seven to skeletal
maturity, the humerus grows approximately 1.2 centimeters in girls and 1.3
centimeters in boys each year. In girls, the ulna grows approximately 1.0
centimeter and the radius, 0.9 centimeter each year after the age of seven.
In boys, the ulna grows approximately 1.1 centimeters and the radius,
approximately 1.0 centimeter each year from the age of seven to skeletal
maturity. Based on these data, accurate predictions of growth and of growth
discrepancy in the upper extremity can be made, and the time at which to
perform equalization procedures can be determined more precisely.
CiteULike 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us 
Technorati What's this?
