Greulich-Pyle atlas
Pronunciation: GROY-lik PYLE AT-las
Also written as: GP — Greulich-Pyle atlas
Standardized radiographic reference used for bone age assessment based on left hand and wrist X-ray comparison.
Full Definition
The most widely used bone age assessment method in North America, consisting of standardized radiographic images of the left hand and wrist from birth to skeletal maturity. Developed by Greulich and Pyle in 1959, the atlas provides reference standards derived from middle-class Caucasian children from the 1930s-1940s. Bone age is determined by comparing the patient's radiograph to the atlas images that most closely match the degree of ossification and fusion of various bones and epiphyses. The method has limitations including potential bias when applied to different ethnic populations and interobserver variability. Despite these limitations, it remains the gold standard for bone age assessment in clinical practice.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify when using this method versus alternative bone age assessment techniques.
In Context
- "Bone age was assessed using the Greulich-Pyle atlas and estimated at 10.5 years." — Radiology report
- "The Greulich-Pyle atlas remains the most commonly used bone age reference in pediatric endocrinology." — Medical education text