Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
[Reference values for development of the iliac crest apophysis (Risser sign)]
V Diedrichs1, U A Wagner, W Seiler
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie der Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn.
Purpose:
Actualization of the standard values for the maturation of the iliac bone apophysis by Risser.
Methods:
The study analysed retrospectively 515 data from 154 patients of german descent with idiopathic scoliosis. The study group included 312 X-rays of 82 female and 203 X-rays of 72 male patients, born between 1970-1985 and within the age of 10 and 20 years at the time of the evaluation. The middle chronological age, the standard deviation, the difference between female and male patients as well as the t-value were calculated for each stage. In addition the intervals with the corresponding t-values were calculated.
Results:
The middle chronological age calculated for the stages of Risser shows significant differences. Because of acceleration the ossification begins earlier and finishes later. As assumed, the standard values were different for female and male patients.
Conclusion:
The necessity of a new and complete investigation was given because of the acceleration of the maturation and the incomplete existing standard values.
Clinical Relevance:
This study contains current standard values for maturation of the iliac bone, which could be applied for analysing the skeletal maturation.
