OBJECTIVETo evaluate the value of some parameters in predicting of growth peak height velocity (PHV) of the girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) by histomorphological studying on iliac crest cartilage.

METHODSIliac crest cartilages were harvested during posterior surgery from girls with AIS. The samples were then paraffin embedded after stored in formalin solid over 24 hours, sectioned vertical to the calcification at the thickness of 5 microm, and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. The histological grading of the proliferating activity of it was observed under the microscope. Parameters included chronologic age, menarche status, wrist skeletal age, digital skeletal age, elbow epiphysis and Risser sign were recorded. The histological grading data were compared with these parameters in terms of their accuracy in the prediction of PHV of the scoliosis.

RESULTSThe specimens of 53 AIS patients with an average age 14.0 years were stained successfully. The proliferating activity of the iliac crest cartilage decreased when the AIS girl was over 13.0 years of chronologic age, 14.0 years of wrist skeletal age, post menarche or Risser sign was no less than grade 3.

CONCLUSIONSAll the parameters evaluated can be used to show the end of PHV. Three parameters, including 11 years old of chronologic age, 12 years of the wrist skeletal age, unfusion of the elbow epiphysis and the thelarche, can be used in predicting the beginning of PHV.