Validation of central peak height method for final adult height predictions on long leg radiographs

AimsAccurate skeletal age and final adult height prediction methods in paediatric orthopaedics are crucial for determining optimal timing of growth-guiding interventions and minimizing complications in treatments of various conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of final adult height predictions using the central peak height (CPH) method with long leg X -rays and four different multiplier tables.MethodsThis study included 31 patients who underwent temporary hemiepiphysiodesis for varus or valgus deformity of the leg between 2014 and 2020. The skeletal age at surgical intervention was evaluated using the CPH method with long leg radiographs. The true final adult height (FHTRUE) was determined when the growth plates were closed. The final height prediction accuracy of four different multiplier tables (1. Bayley and Pinneau; 2. Paley et al; 3. Sanders -Greulich and Pyle (SGP); and 4. Sanders -peak height velocity (PHV)) was then compared using either skeletal age or chronological age.ResultsAll final adult height predictions overestimated the FHTRUE, with the SGP multiplier table having the lowest overestimation and lowest absolute deviation when using both chronological age and skeletal age. There were no significant differences in final height prediction accuracy between using skeletal age and chronological age with PHV (p = 0.652) or SGP multiplier tables (p = 0.969). Adult height predictions with chronological age and SGP (r = 0.769; p <= 0.001), as well as chronological age and PHV (r = 0.822; p <= 0.001), showed higher correlations with FHTRUE than predictions with skeletal age and SGP (r = 0.657; p <= 0.001) or skeletal age and PHV (r = 0.707; p <= 0.001).ConclusionThere was no significant improvement in adult height prediction accuracy when using the CPH method compared to chronological age alone. The study concludes that there is no advantage in routinely using the CPH method for skeletal age determination over the simple use of chronological age. The findings highlight the need for more accurate methods to predict final adult height in contemporary patient populations.

Automated summary

The accuracy of final adult height predictions using the CPH method was evaluated in this study. All predictions overestimated the final adult height, with the SGP multiplier table yielding the lowest overestimation. There were no significant differences in accuracy between using skeletal age and chronological age when using the PHV or SGP multiplier tables. Predictions based on chronological age showed higher correlations with the final adult height compared to predictions based on skeletal age.