Skeletal immaturity

**Skeletal immaturity**

Skeletal immaturity refers to the condition where the bones of an individual, typically a child or adolescent, have not yet fully developed or ossified. This stage is characterized by the presence of growth plates (epiphyseal plates) and softer, less dense bone structures that continue to grow and strengthen until reaching full maturity in adulthood. Understanding skeletal immaturity is crucial in fields such as pediatric medicine, orthopedics, and forensic science for assessing growth, diagnosing developmental disorders, and determining age.