The Relationship Between Bone Development, Menarche and Height Spurt Among Male Adolescents

Objective To explore the relationship between bone development, menarche and height spurt in male adolescents, and to provide basis for the research on growth and development of male adolescents. Methods Two hundred and forty-eight healthy females' (aged 9-15) height were measured and their menarche experience were investigated. Their height spurt evaluation standard was determined with Grave's index according to X-ray examination on left carpi. Results About 5/6 of the subjects in the group aged 9 developed into the status of adolescent height spurt, and some of whom even reached the stage of peak height velocity (PHV). When the PHV occurred at the same time as the formation of hamate - 2 (H - 2) and/or epiphysis cap of the middle phalanx of the third finger (MP3 = ) for the Grave's index,the result agreed with Grave's criterion for adolescent height spurt. Conclusion The Grave's criterion for adolescent height spurt can be used for Chinese female adolescents. A sound and comprehensive judgment and forecast can be made on the adolescent height spurt tendency, with the combination of Grave's index, age and menarche.