Tannerasteikkoon

Tannerasteikkoon, also known as the Tanner-Whitehouse bone age assessment method, is a widely used technique in pediatric endocrinology and growth research to estimate an individual’s biological age based on the development of specific bones in the hand and wrist. Developed by James Tanner and Wilfred Whitehouse in the mid-20th century, this method provides a standardized way to evaluate skeletal maturation, which can be crucial for diagnosing growth disorders, monitoring treatment progress, or assessing developmental delays.

The Tannerasteikkoon method evaluates the ossification stages of 20 bones in the left hand and wrist, including the phalanges, metacarpals, and carpal bones. Each bone is assigned a numerical score based on its developmental stage, ranging from 0 (completely cartilaginous) to 5 (fully ossified). The scores are then summed to produce a total bone age, which is compared to reference data to determine the individual’s biological age relative to their peers.

This assessment is particularly useful in clinical settings where chronological age may not accurately reflect a child’s physiological development. For example, children with growth hormone deficiencies or constitutional growth delays may exhibit skeletal ages that differ significantly from their actual age. The Tannerasteikkoon method is also employed in research to study population-specific growth patterns and the effects of environmental or genetic factors on skeletal maturation.

While the Tannerasteikkoon method is highly reliable, it requires trained professionals to perform accurate readings, as subtle differences in bone development can influence the final assessment. Modern advancements, such as digital imaging and automated analysis tools, have improved the precision and accessibility of bone age evaluations, reducing variability in results. Despite these advancements, the Tannerasteikkoon method remains a cornerstone in pediatric growth assessment due to its simplicity and effectiveness.