Ossification centers of the hip and pelvis

Last revised by Arlene Campos on 12 Jan 2024

Listed below are the ossification centers of the hip and pelvis:

Pelvic

  • ilium: appears at 8 weeks in utero; fuses at 7-9 years

  • ischium: appears at 4-6 months in utero; fuses at 7-9 years

  • pubis: appears at 4-6 months in utero; fuses at 7-9 years

  • acetabulum (two centers): puberty; fuses (i.e. replacement of triradiate cartilage) at 20-25 years

  • iliac crest: appears at 13-15 years; fuses at 15-17 years 3

  • anterior superior iliac spine: appears at 15-17 years; fuses at 19-25 years 3

  • anterior inferior iliac spine: appears at 13-15 years; fuses at 16 years 3

Proximal femur

  • shaft: appears at 7 weeks in utero

  • femoral head: appears at 4-6 months

  • greater trochanter: appears at 2-4 years; fuses at 14-16 years 3

  • lesser trochanter: appears at puberty

All of the femoral ossification centers fuse between the ages of 14 and 18 years. 

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