We report the use of the distal radius and ulna (DRU) classification
for the prediction of peak growth (PG) and growth cessation (GC)
in 777 patients with idiopathic scoliosis. We compare this classification
with other commonly used parameters of maturity. The following data were extracted from the patients’ records
and radiographs: chronological age, body height (BH), arm span (AS),
date of menarche, Risser sign, DRU grade and status of the phalangeal
and metacarpal physes. The mean rates of growth were recorded according
to each parameter of maturity. PG was defined as the summit of the curve
and GC as the plateau in deceleration of growth. The rates of growth
at PG and GC were used for analysis using receiver operating characteristic
(ROC) curves to determine the strength and cutoff values of the
parameters of growth.Aims
Patients and Methods