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Sibling correlations for skeletal age assessments by the Fels method
Huanjiu Xi1, Alex F Roche1, Shumei Guo1
1Division of Human Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Wright State University, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387.
Summary
Sibling correlations in skeletal maturation were analyzed using hand-wrist radiographs. Sister-sister correlations increased significantly after age 12, suggesting potential X chromosome involvement in skeletal timing.
Area of Science:
- Human skeletal development
- Genetics and heritability
- Pediatric radiology
Background:
- Understanding the genetic and environmental influences on skeletal maturation is crucial for growth assessment.
- Sibling correlations provide insights into the heritability of complex traits like skeletal age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sibling correlations in Fels skeletal ages.
- To explore potential sex-specific genetic influences on skeletal maturation timing.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 2,622 hand-wrist radiographs from 285 boys and 276 girls.
- Kernel regression smoothing applied to irregular age-specific sibling correlations.
Main Results:
- Brother-sister correlations were generally lower than other sibling pairs.
- Sister-sister correlations exceeded brother-brother and brother-sister correlations after age 12.
- A trend suggesting X chromosome involvement in skeletal maturation after age 12 was observed.
Conclusions:
- Skeletal maturation timing shows varying degrees of heritability across sibling types and age.
- Higher sister-sister correlations after age 12 may indicate sex-linked genetic factors influencing skeletal development.
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