Which department should I visit for bone age assessment?

Measuring bone age can be done in the orthopedic or endocrinology department. Bone age refers to the age of bones, which requires the use of X-rays for examination. The position for the X-ray is the left wrist, and doctors will observe the metacarpal bones, carpal bones, etc. in the palm to determine bone age based on the X-ray. By determining bone age, we can predict height, understand the speed of children's growth and development, and even identify potential health issues. It is important to measure bone age at a professional institution.

Points for attention in measuring bone age for children:

1. For children who are taller or shorter than average, parents should consider having their child's bone age tested to determine if their development is normal and in line with their actual age. If a child is taller, there may be an overestimation of bone age, and if a child is shorter, there may be an underestimation of bone age. These are important points for parents to note.

2. Some parents may worry about the harm of X-rays to their children, but it is actually not a major concern. The amount of radiation exposure from a single X-ray is similar to watching an episode of television, so parents do not need to worry too much about the harm of bone age testing to their children.

3. When measuring bone age for children, it is important to choose the right time. In particular, the ages of 4 and 8 are critical for significant growth in height, so missing these times could potentially affect a child's final height.

4. The earlier a child's bone age is detected and treated, the better. Parents who are not satisfied with their own height should especially consider having their child tested to understand the growth trend of their child's height and take appropriate measures to help their child grow taller.