X-ray of the left hand and wrist, with the elbow added if needed, to estimate bone age
Bone Age X-Ray in Casablanca
Bone age reflects how mature the skeleton of a child or teenager is. It is estimated from an X-ray of the left hand and wrist, sometimes of the elbow, which the radiologist compares with growth atlases. The result is expressed in years and months, then compared with the child's actual age. It helps the pediatrician understand unusual growth and monitor the effect of a treatment. The exam is simple, quick and painless.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
A few minutes, as the image is taken almost instantly.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
Carestream
Reading aid
The center uses Gleamer, artificial intelligence software that helps the radiologist read X-rays. Interpretation and the report are still done by the radiologist.
When is this exam needed?
- Height very different from that of children of the same age.
- Growth slowing down on the curve in the child's health record book.
- Early or late puberty.
- Monitoring of growth hormone treatment.
- Estimating remaining growth, for example in a teenager followed for scoliosis or a difference in leg length.
- Chronic disease or hormonal disorder that can affect growth, such as a thyroid problem.
How the exam is done
On arrival, you show the prescription and the health record book. The radiographer explains to your child, in simple words, what is expected of them, then takes you both to the X-ray room. If you are pregnant, another adult goes into the room with the child.
Your child sits next to the table, with the left hand flat and the fingers slightly apart. They stay still for a moment and feel nothing. If the elbow is requested, it is X-rayed from the side, with the arm bent. A parent can stay close by, wearing a protective apron. The image appears on the screen right away: the radiographer checks that it is sharp before letting you go. Your child can then go back to their usual activities, including school.
Preparation
- Remove rings, bracelets and watch.
- Explain to your child that they will only need to stay still.
- Remember the health record book, which shows the height and weight measured over the course of medical visits.
- A small toy or a comfort blanket often helps younger children wait in the waiting room.
Fasting
No fasting: your child eats and drinks normally.
Contrast injection
No contrast agent is used.
Contraindications and precautions
- Possible pregnancy in a teenage girl: please tell us.
- Accompanying parent who is pregnant: another adult stays with the child.
- Injury or cast on the left hand: let the team know.
- Very anxious child: tell the radiographer, who will adapt the explanations before the X-ray.
Documents to bring
- Prescription from the pediatrician or family doctor
- Health record book with the growth chart
- Previous bone age X-rays, for comparison
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why the left hand?
Growth atlases were established using the left hand. Using this hand makes it possible to compare the image with the atlases and with later follow-up X-rays.
Is a difference from the actual age worrying?
Not necessarily: a moderate difference is common in healthy children. The pediatrician interprets it together with the growth chart.
Why is the elbow sometimes X-rayed?
Around puberty, the elbow changes more clearly than the hand. Its X-ray then helps refine the estimate.
Are these X-rays risky for my child?
The dose from a hand X-ray is very low, and the hand is far from sensitive organs.
Can bone age predict adult height?
It gives an estimate that is useful but approximate. The pediatrician combines it with the parents' height, the growth chart and the stage of puberty.
Does the exam need to be repeated later?
The pediatrician may request it again to follow changes over time, especially during treatment. Bringing the previous images lets the radiologist compare them using the same method.