THE RISSER SIGN - A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Orthopedic surgeons commonly use the Risser sign to estimate skeletal maturity; however, the data presented in the orthopedic literature sup porting the accuracy of the Risser sign in estimating skeletal maturit y do not stand up to critical statistical analysis. The Risser sign is less accurate than chronologic age as a predictor of skeletal age and should not be used as a substitute for a hand and wrist radiograph in most cases. The Risser sign is also no better a predictor of scoliosi s progression than is chronologic age.