Risser sign - trends in a South African black population
Date
2012-01-16
Authors
Mayet, Ziyaad
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Abstract
The 5 stages of the Risser sign, which chart
the development of ossification of the iliac
crest has been widely used as a tool to
assess skeletal age and remaining spinal
growth, and thereby influence scoliosis
management. However, as with other
markers of skeletal age, it is under the
influence of genetic and environmental
factors. Proof of this was given by Risser,
who observed that children in warmer
climates developed earlier. Numerous other
authors have also shown differences for
other measures of maturity between
different race groups.
We tried to show that a different trend
occurred in the South African Black
population, as compared to published data
from other population groups.
Radiographs from the Radiology records
departments of various hospitals were
assessed by 2 independent observers for the
Risser sign. This was used to chart trends,
which was compared to trends published by Scoles et. al. which was recorded on the
Cleveland based Brush-Bolton Collection.
The South African black population showed
a trend towards starting earlier. They
however completed their fusion later. This
is suggestive of a longer duration of iliac
ossification. Furthermore, the importance of
climatic control was shown by the fact that
the black & white populations mirrored
each other.
Description
M.Med. (Orthopaedics), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2011
Keywords
Risser sign, scoliosis management