To determine the bone age of a child, radiographic studies most commonly involve which joint?

Determining the bone age of a child is primarily done through radiographic studies of the wrist. The wrist contains several small bones, including the carpal bones, which undergo changes as a child grows. By analyzing these changes in bone size, shape, and development, radiologists can estimate the child's skeletal maturity.

The wrist is particularly useful because it provides a comprehensive view of bone development, making it easier to identify growth patterns specific to different ages. The standard method for assessing bone age involves comparing the child's wrist X-ray with established growth charts or references that detail the typical appearance of carpal bones at various ages.

While the knee, ankle, and elbow can also provide information about growth and development, they are not as reliable or widely accepted for assessing bone age compared to the wrist. The wrist's unique combination of multiple growing bones and its well-documented developmental stages make it the preferred choice in clinical practice.