Skeletal Age
A biological age estimate derived from radiographic assessment of bone maturation, used in dentofacial orthopedics to time treatment with growth spurts.
Full Definition
Skeletal age, also referred to as bone age, reflects the stage of physiological maturity of the skeleton based on ossification indicators rather than chronological age. In dentofacial orthopedics, skeletal age is most commonly assessed via cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) staging, which evaluates the shape and concavity of cervical vertebrae on a lateral cephalogram. Clinicians use skeletal age to determine whether a patient is approaching, at, or past peak pubertal growth, which informs the timing of functional appliance therapy. Editors should note that 'skeletal age' is two words and should not be conflated with 'dental age,' which is assessed from tooth eruption patterns.
Usage
Usage note: Two words, no hyphen. Distinguish clearly from 'dental age' and 'chronological age' in clinical records and research articles.
In Context
- "Skeletal age was determined to be CS3, indicating the patient was at peak pubertal growth." — Orthodontic treatment-planning record
- "Editors should not substitute 'dental age' for 'skeletal age' when cervical vertebral maturation staging is discussed." — Editorial style note