Paediatric Bone-Age X-ray
Specialist skeletal maturity tracking with consultant radiologist consultation.
A single, ultra-low-dose digital X-ray of the left hand and wrist, uniquely including a direct clinical consultation with our paediatric radiologist.
Pick your own time slot online, 24/7.
Clinical Skeletal Growth and Maturity Assessments
A bone age assessment is a vital tool used to evaluate your child's physical growth and skeletal maturity. By comparing the developmental stage of the bones in your child's hand and wrist to standard reference models, our radiologist can determine if their bone maturity matches their actual chronological age.
At LifeScan Malta, this service is unique: your booking includes not just the digital X-ray, but a face-to-face clinical consultation with Dr Andre Gatt, our lead consultant radiologist, who will review the growth plates and charts directly with you.
Growth Plate Evaluation
Skeletal Maturity Mapping
We assess the wrist and hand bones to evaluate growth:
- Visualizing the growth plates (epiphyses) to check if they are open, narrowing, or fused
- Screening for constitutional growth delay or advanced bone age
- Estimating final adult height in conjunction with pediatric endocrine guidelines
Consultation Included
Discussing the Growth Chart
Every bone-age scan is accompanied by a medical review:
- Direct face-to-face consultation with our lead radiologist during your visit
- Explanation of findings and comparison with standard growth velocity curves
- Formal written report emailed same-day for your pediatrician or GP
Minimal Preparation & Referral Guidelines
- Referral: We welcome self-referrals for screening and growth monitoring, as well as referrals from pediatricians and endocrinologists.
- Clothing: Wear clothes that allow easy exposure of the left hand and wrist. All metal jewelry, rings, or wristwatches must be removed.
- Safety: The scan is a single, extremely fast exposure with minimal radiation.
Transparent, Dynamic Pricing
At LifeScan Malta, we believe in transparent pricing without surprises.
Because our booking fees are dynamic and subject to adjustments, the current up-to-date scan price is displayed directly in the booking widget below.
Prices are kept current in our digital calendar system so you never have to worry about outdated price lists on our pages.
Book Your Paediatric Bone-Age X-ray
Select an appointment time below. Your appointment will be handled by our consultant specialists.
Claiming on health insurance? If you're booking without a referral, your insurer may require one from a doctor outside LifeScan. Please check with your insurer before your appointment.
Why Choose LifeScan?
Experience board-certified expertise, same-day reporting, and state-of-the-art imaging.
Direct Radiologist Consultation
Unique to LifeScan: discuss findings face-to-face with Dr Andre Gatt during your appointment.
Ultra-Low Radiation Dose
Hand radiography uses the lowest possible digital exposure, comparable to less than an hour of normal background radiation.
Same-Day written Results
Receive immediate verbal feedback and a detailed written report emailed on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Paediatric Bone-Age X-ray.
Why is the hand and wrist used for bone age?
The left hand and wrist contain a large number of bones and growth centers in a small, easily imaged area. This serves as the standard template for evaluating overall skeletal maturity.
Who should have a bone-age X-ray?
Children who are growing unusually slowly or quickly, those with early or late puberty, or children undergoing treatment for growth disorders.
Is this safe for my child?
Yes. A digital hand X-ray uses an extremely minor radiation dose, which is completely safe and safely below standard safety thresholds.
Can I claim this on my health insurance?
Your insurer may require a referral letter from your GP or another doctor who is not the radiologist you are seeing before they will reimburse the visit. If you plan to claim, please check with your insurer before your appointment, as claims without a valid referral may be declined.