As vértebras cervicais como instrumento para determinação da idade óssea

Abstract

The hand and wrist region evaluation on carpal radiographs (CR) is the most used methodology to establish the bone age (BA). However, its replacement by analysis of cervical vertebrae (CV) on lateral cephalograms (LC) is suggested to reduce the radiation dosage and cost of examinations. Thus, this study investigated the validity of one method for estimation of BA by assessment of CV, correlating it to the patient’s chronological age (CA). The null hypothesis (H0) tested was that there was no difference between the BA estimated by this method and the CA. The sample comprised 170 LC of patients of both genders with CA from 60 to 124 months, obtained from radiographic files. The BA was estimated by means of a mathematical formula, in which the variables are measurements carried out in the body of CV 3 and 4, in accordance with the tested method. Additionally, the reliability and reproducibility of this method for BA estimation were assessed. Application of the Pearson test revealed the absence of correlation between the estimated BA and the CA for the total sample and especially for the males. The correlation for females was significant, though weak. Moreover, assessment of inter- and intra-examiner agreement revealed positive correlations with high values, indicating that the method is reliable and allows reproduction. Thus, it was concluded that the method investigated for BA estimation was reproducible and reliable; however, there was no consistent correlation with CA, especially among males, thus partially rejecting the H0. Additional studies are suggested to modify the pattern of the original formula before the method is definitively discarded. Key words: Development. Biological indicators. Cervical vertebra. Radiography.