[Critical analysis of the diagnostic value of the first sesamoid bone of the thumb as an indicator of bone development in puberty].

Although the appearance of the first sesamoid of the thumb has been widely reported as being a good indicator of puberty, it should be noted that this finding has only been confirmed in cross-sectional studies. When trying to determine this relationship through a longitudinal study, we see that, although the correlation indices come within the limits of statistical significance, the wide range of variability in appearance reduces its practical usefulness. The sesamoid bone normally appears during puberty but neither the initial moment of this occurrence nor the exact stage of the child's development at that time can be assessed.