Ossification of Carpal Bones



It’s always tricky to remember the age of ossification of the carpal bones but it is essential when interpreting a Pediatric wrist radiograph.

So here’s a refresher on the age and sequence of ossification of the bones of the wrist joint.

I use two thumb rules which may not be the most accurate but they get the job done!

First, the 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 rule.

Secondly, if you’re looking at the carpal bones from the VOLAR ASPECT then the sequence is CLOCKWISE for the LEFT wrist (and anti-clockwise for the right!)

The capitate is the first bone to get ossified at approximately 1 month, 2 month for Hamate, and then 3-4-5-6-7 years for Triquetral, Lunate, Scaphoid, Trapezium, Trapezoid and finally the Pisiform at 12 years!



Dr. Devpriyo Pal @drdevradiology



#Ossification #Carpal #Bones #Wrist #Diagnosis #Peds #Pediatrics