Hand X-ray for bone age
bone age · bone age X-ray · hand X-ray for a child · growth plate X-ray
One X-ray picture of the hand is taken. From it, the doctor sees how mature your child's bones are.
When a child is growing too slowly or too fast, with early or late puberty, and during hormone treatment.
⏱ Duration: the picture takes a couple of minutes; the report usually comes the same day or after a few days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Preparation. No special preparation is needed.
- Hands. Usually the left hand is X-rayed. Take off your child's rings and bracelets.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Previous X-rays, if any
- Your child's papers
How it goes
- Your child sits at a table
- The hand is placed palm down on a plate
- A protective apron is put on the body
- Your child is asked to keep still for a couple of seconds
- The picture is taken
What you'll feel
- It does not hurt
- They only need to sit still
Afterwards
- You can leave right away
- The report usually comes the same day or after a few days
- The doctor will compare bone age with real age and decide what comes next
Common questions
Is the radiation dangerous?
The dose is very small, since only the hand is X-rayed. A doctor orders it when the benefit is greater than the risk.
What does it mean if the bone age is behind?
It means the bones are maturing more slowly. The causes vary, and your doctor will explain.