Risser 5 is the final Risser sign in this estimation scale which measures skeletal maturity. An x-ray will show complete ossification and fusion of the iliac crest apophysis indicating that an adolescent, or young adult, is fully grown. For our final feature on Risser sign, we’ll share the story of a local fifteen-year-old girl with… Read More

Risser 4 indicates ossification of the iliac crest apophysis at 75% or more. “Capping” from lateral to medial (outside to inside) is nearly complete and skeletal maturity is approaching. From our perspective, there is more to say about Risser 4 than the other Risser stages. This is due to our use of different management techniques,… Read More

When a pelvic x-ray shows about 50-75% ossification of the iliac crest apophysis (from the outside to inside), this indicates Risser 3. As with Risser 2, this growth stage indicates continued but slowing growth, especially for girls. For boys, growth tends to be slow and steady throughout puberty – although this isn’t always the case. … Read More

When a child has reached the Risser 2 stage, ossification of the iliac crest apophysis (top of the pelvis) is between 25% and 50% complete. This ossification occurs from lateral to medial (outside to inside, as shown below). Risser 2 means that the child is still growing, but by this point the rate of growth… Read More

Continuing with our Risser theme, today we’ll highlight Risser 1. At the Risser 1 stage of growth, a pelvic x-ray will show up to 25% ossification, or “capping” at the top of the iliac crest apophysis from lateral to medial (outside to inside). Girls typically reach Risser 1 just after menses occurs, however, that’s not a… Read More

Risser sign is one indicator that should be considered during the management of scoliosis. Risser 0 is the first Risser stage when ossification of the epiphyseal plate over the iliac crest has not yet begun. In simpler terms, new bone has not yet started forming at the top of the pelvis – indicating significant remaining growth…. Read More

In 1958, Joseph C. Risser, published his findings on growth and the completion of growth in a paper entitled, “The Iliac Apophysis: An Invaluable Sign in the Management of Scoliosis.” His findings led to the Risser sign classification system used to assess skeletal maturity. While Risser sign is still used today by doctors to estimate… Read More

What Scoliosis 3DC® Patients Are Saying

Daughter no longer has scoliosis!

“We went in for a new brace and were shocked to be told that she no longer needed to wear the brace. According to the doctor who prepared her x-ray report, there was “no scoliosis”. Yes, that’s right…her curve had improved to the point that she no longer has scoliosis!!”  Read More

Flexibility & Confidence

“My son was so sad to leave them after a week and is already anxious to return!! The brace and therapy have already helped tremendously with my sons flexibility and confidence.” Read More