Proximal radius ossifies between 3.8 and 4.5 years; olecranon at 6 to 8 years of age. Methods: We studied 240 elbows and classified them in 6 groups according to the age of appearance of ossification centers.
Table of Contents
At what age does the elbow ossify?
Proximal radius ossifies between 3.8 and 4.5 years; olecranon at 6 to 8 years of age. Methods: We studied 240 elbows and classified them in 6 groups according to the age of appearance of ossification centers.

What is elbow ossification?
Fusion of elbow ossification centers. The secondary ossification centers fuse to create the mature bony elbow. The lateral epicondyle, trochlear, and capitellar centers fuse first; this unit then fuses with the distal humerus; the last fusion occurs at the medial epicondyle.
What is the last bone to ossify in the elbow?
Thus, the external epicondyle is on the radial side of the elbow, while the internal epicondyle is on the ulnar side of the elbow….Ossification centres about the elbow.
Ossification centre | Age (yr.) |
---|---|
External (latreral) Epicondyle | 11 |
What age does the medial epicondyle ossify?
The medial epicondylar ossification center appears next at 5-7 years. The trochlear ossification center is usually demonstrated by age 10 years but may appear as early as age 7. The lateral epicondyle appears last at 12-14 years.

What is the significance of the Radiocapitellar line?
Background: The radiocapitellar line (RCL) is a routinely referenced radiographic measurement for evaluating injury of the pediatric elbow, such as a Monteggia fracture. It is most commonly described as a line drawn along the radius that should intercept the center of the capitellum in a normal elbow.
Which bones undergo endochondral ossification?
Endochondral ossification is the process by which growing cartilage is systematically replaced by bone to form the growing skeleton. This process occurs at three main sites: the physis, the epiphysis, and the cuboidal bones of the carpus and tarsus.
What happens during ossification?
Osteoblasts penetrate the disintegrating cartilage and replace it with spongy bone. This forms a primary ossification center. Ossification continues from this center toward the ends of the bones. After spongy bone is formed in the diaphysis, osteoclasts break down the newly formed bone to open up the medullary cavity.
What are ossification centers?
n. The site where bone begins to form in a specific bone or part of bone as a result of the accumulation of osteoblasts in the connective tissue. The site where bone begins to form in the shaft of a long bone or the body of an irregular bone; primary ossification center.
What is the Radiocapitellar joint?
The radiocapitellar joint is where the humerus and the radius meet, allowing for rotation of the forearm so that the hand can be turned palm up or palm down. The radial head is the knobby end of the radius that rotates around the ulna.
What is Radiocapitellar arthritis?
Radiocapitellar arthritis is a problem that causes pain and loss of motion and function. The etiology is multifactorial, including post-traumatic, degenerative, and inflammatory arthritis. Conservative treatment consists of anti-inflammatory medications and injections, physical therapy, and bracing.
Is phalanges endochondral ossification?
The term endochondral refers to the close association of the developing bone with the pre-existing hyaline cartilage model of that bone. The long bones of the limbs (including the phalanges) and the ribs develop by endochondral ossification.
What tissue begins endochondral ossification?
hyaline cartilage
Endochondral ossification involves the replacement of hyaline cartilage with bony tissue. Most of the bones of the skeleton are formed in this manner. These bones are called endochondral bones. In this process, the future bones are first formed as hyaline cartilage models.