ER5 and ER3 - Bone age assessment by simplifications of the Eklof and Ringertz method

Authors

  • Celso Olivete Junior USP
  • Evandro Luís Linhari Rodrigues USP

Keywords:

Bone age estimation, Eklof and Ringertz method

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this work was to evaluate bone age assessment using two simplifications of the Eklof and Ringertz method, which provide automated auxiliary data for the medical diagnosis. Methods: Hand radiographic images of 685 children and adolescents (male and female subjects; age: 6-16 years old) were used to estimate skeletal age using simplifications of the Eklof and Ringertz method – ER5 and ER3 (five and three hand bone ossification centers, respectively). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation test and Student’s t-test (0.05 level of significance). Results: The values of bone age estimation using the two simplifications of the Eklof and Ringertz method were compatible with the average medical reports obtained by using three standard methods – Greulich & Pyle, Tanner & Whitehouse and Eklof & Ringertz methods. In most cases no statistically significant difference in bone age was found (P > 0.05). Conclusion: It is possible to conclude that both proposed simplifications (ER3 and ER5) can be used for bone age estimation, using fast and simplified configuration, with results similar to the average of the traditional methods. Also, these simplifications are appropriate to estimate bone age in large databases because they are fast and objective.

Author Biographies

Celso Olivete Junior, USP

Doutorando em Engenharia Elétrica pela Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC) – Universidade de São Paulo (USP) – São Carlos – SP – Brasil.

Evandro Luís Linhari Rodrigues, USP

Professor Doutor de Engenharia Elétrica da Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC) – Universidade de São Paulo (USP) – São Carlos – SP – Brasil.

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Published

2009-09-21

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Section

Original Article