[Development of the hand bones in children with primary hypothyroidism]

In 23 hypothyroid children--15 girls and 8 boys--all of them receiving continuous substitution therapy, skeletal maturity was evaluated by use of a specific point system. The examination of 106 X-rays of the left hand revealed a clear-cut carpal retardation more than that of RUS (radius, ulna, short bones) in both sexes. It could be demonstrated a higher stage of development for RUS than carpal bone maturity in relation to height, independent of duration of therapy. A closer correspondence between RUS development and height may be assumed.