Assessing skeletal maturity in scoliosis patients using femoral epiphysis

Validation of the Assessment of Skeletal Maturity Using Femoral Head in Patients With Idiopathic Scoliosis and Its Clinical Implications

The University of Hong Kong · NCT04746417

This study is trying to see if looking at a specific part of the thigh bone can help doctors understand how much growth is left in kids with scoliosis and how that might affect their condition.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong (other)
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT04746417 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the use of the proximal femoral epiphysis for assessing skeletal maturity in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. It will establish a grading system for the stages of proximal femoral epiphyseal closure and examine its reliability and reproducibility in clinical settings. The study will also validate the use of these gradings to identify pubertal growth landmarks and their relationship with scoliosis curve progression. Orthopaedic surgeons will conduct the assessments to ensure accurate results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis who have open triradiate cartilage or open distal radius epiphysis.

Not a fit: Patients with non-idiopathic scoliosis, growth hormone deficiency, developmental delay, or those who have not reached skeletal maturity may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a reliable method for assessing growth in scoliosis patients, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there are various skeletal maturity measures, this specific approach using proximal femoral epiphysis is novel and has not been extensively tested in this context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Idiopathic scoliosis
* Open triradiate cartilage or open distal radius epiphysis without capping

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-idiopathic scoliosis
* Patients with growth hormone deficiency or developmental delay
* Patient has not reached skeletal maturity
* Defaulted and lost to follow-up

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Idiopathic Scoliosis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.