Final answer:
X-rays of epiphyses enable doctors to estimate children's skeletal age.
Step-by-step explanation:
X-rays of epiphyses provide a window into children's skeletal age estimation, a crucial aspect of pediatric healthcare. The epiphyses, found at the ends of long bones, undergo a developmental process involving fusion with the diaphysis. By analyzing X-rays, physicians gauge the degree of epiphyseal fusion, offering insights into skeletal maturity. This data is then compared to established standards, allowing the estimation of a child's skeletal age.
This estimation proves invaluable in monitoring growth, detecting potential growth disorders, and ensuring that a child's physical development aligns with their chronological age. Precision in skeletal age assessment aids in timely interventions, such as growth hormone therapy, when necessary. The utilization of X-rays for skeletal age estimation stands as a cornerstone in pediatric care, contributing to comprehensive assessments of a child's health and development.