Glove and hand-securing device for estimating age using ultrasound

Abstract

The invention relates to a glove (11) made of an ultrasound conductive material, designed to incorporate ultrasound gel at least on its dorsal surface, namely: a glove (11) that is double-layered at least on its dorsal surface or that is provided with a blister (111) on its dorsal surface for ultradense gel. Windows (1–10) are printed on the glove (11) or surface of the blister (111), positioned on top of the joints of the fingers and the wrist (10), to estimate the age of the child or adolescent under study. The invention also relates to two mechanisms that can be used separately or in combination to position ultrasound probes (15) over the windows (1–10) on the dorsal side of the glove (11), and to methods for estimating the age of the individual using software and an image database or a bone age atlas.

Description

[0001]

[0002] GLOVE AND ONE-HANDED ANCHORING DEVICE FOR AGE ESTIMATION WITH ULTRASOUND

[0003] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0004] The present invention falls within the field of Legal and Forensic Medicine and Pediatrics, specifically in the area of ​​estimating the age of children and adolescents.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Estimating the age of children in the areas of legal medicine and pediatrics is part of the routine work and is currently always carried out by specialist doctors, whether they are pediatricians, forensic doctors, endocrinologists or radiologists.

[0007] There are many and varied cases for estimating age in children and adolescents. These range from school placement and adoption processes, membership in different categories in various sports, and growth rate analysis for boys and girls to determine if it aligns with the percentile established in pediatric services, social pediatrics, human trafficking cases, or growth assessment in children with pathologies (metabolic, oncological, etc.).

[0008] There are many situations in which age estimation is necessary, but undoubtedly, the greatest demand at present applies to cases of irregular immigration.

[0009] Human migrations have been, and continue to be, cyclical episodes in human history, as they are directly linked to the search for solutions to social, political, economic, environmental, and armed conflicts that threaten their countries of origin. According to UN data, these migrations have grown exponentially in recent years, to the point that the massive arrival of undocumented minors in the European Union has tripled. Most of them come from Africa and the Middle East, and many often lose their lives or become stranded at borders. This same situation is also occurring uncontrollably in the Americas, where the border between Mexico and the United States has become a place of overcrowding for refugees, mostly from South American countries, who, after a long journey, are unable to cross the border.

[0010] Given this situation, it is logical that there is an increasing demand for expert reports that request to know a person's age in order to be able to apply the current legislation in each country.

[0011] According to the legislation in force in each state, migrants must be properly identified upon entry into the country in order to be granted their corresponding rights. In the case of minors, in neighboring countries they become beneficiaries of a series of favorable legal measures, both regarding their treatment as immigrants and if they are victims or perpetrators of criminal acts. In most cases, it is not possible to fully identify the individual's age, as there is no reliable documentation to verify it.

[0012] Current age estimation techniques are not very precise and, moreover, require radiology as a diagnostic method. Studies are based on the recommendations for estimating the age of minors involved in legal proceedings, published in 2001 by the German Working Group for Forensic Age Diagnosis (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forensische Altersdiagnostik, AGFAD). This guide includes a procedure divided into four parts: physical examination of the minor, radiographic examination of the left hand, examination of the dentition, and radiographic examination of the sternal end of the clavicle using computed tomography.

[0013] However, at migration points with high demand for age studies, only hand / carpal radiographs are used to establish the age of these individuals based on the Greulich-Pyle and Tanner Whitehouse methods.

[0014] The use of these invasive techniques has been heavily criticized in the latest EASO report in 2019 (European Asylum Support Office), so new approaches are being developed that allow for dispensing with the use of radiology in order to focus on a more ethical and holistic aspect of age estimation.

[0015] In addition to irregular migration, there are several situations in which it is necessary to estimate the age of certain children and adolescents: schooling processes and adoptions of undocumented minors or those from countries where there are no reliable records, selection of promising young athletes who are recruited by different teams to become part of their youth academy, growth rate of children to analyze whether it conforms to the percentile established in pediatric services, social pediatrics, human trafficking, or assessment of growth in children with pathologies (metabolic, oncological, etc.).

[0016] Typically, and systematically, in both forensic medicine and pediatrics, hand / wrist X-rays are used to establish the age of children based on the Greulich-Pyle and Tanner-Whitehouse methods; however, to avoid radiation, the use of ultrasound has been proposed. The drawback of this technique is that it requires the person performing it to have sufficient experience to know how to position the ultrasound probe, perform the scans correctly, and interpret the images to determine the individual's age. Often, this specialized personnel are not available at immigration entry points, and minors have to wait in designated centers or makeshift tents (in the case of mass arrivals) for their turn to undergo the radiographic and forensic examination to determine their age.

[0017] Several solutions have been proposed to address this problem.

[0018] US patent 2008214935A1 describes a method and apparatus for electronic devices to estimate, using ultrasound, a user's age of majority in order to grant them access to various services, particularly to control children's access to certain websites, television programs, chat rooms, or other inappropriate content. The method focuses on detecting the degree of ossification of an individual's bone by transmitting an ultrasonic wave through it and measuring a parameter of the ultrasonic wave after transmission through the bone under study.To this end, the apparatus included in the invention comprises a body contact device, an ultrasound transmitter, an ultrasound receiver that receives the ultrasound wave and produces an output signal corresponding to the degree of ossification of the bone examined, and a data processor to process the output signal and to estimate the bone age of the individual examined.

[0019] Document CN108606811A also describes a system and method for estimating bone age in an individual using ultrasonic probes. The method involves immersing the tissue to be detected in a coupling medium (preferably by immersing the palm of the hand up to the wrist in water), partially immersing a scanning window in the coupling medium to make contact with the tissue, establishing a contact pressure threshold and securing the scanning window; then adjusting an ultrasonic probe in position and angle according to an ultrasonic image of the hand to ensure that the long axis of the ultrasonic probe is perpendicular to the tangent plane of the tissue being analyzed during the scan; and finally, setting a scan parameter and performing the scan to acquire an ultrasonic image of the bone age of the tissue under study.The image of a characteristic area of ​​bone age is acquired through the ultrasound bone age detection system included in the invention comprising a receiver device for housing the suitable coupling medium for the tissue to be analyzed to be immersed in the coupling medium; an ultrasonic probe and a scanning window for scanning the tissue to be examined, allowing the scanning window to be immersed in the coupling medium; a controller connected to the ultrasonic probe for adjusting a direction of movement of the ultrasonic probe in relation to the tissue to be examined; and an ultrasound bone age imager coupled to the ultrasonic probe for generating and displaying an ultrasound bone age image of the tissue to be examined.

[0020] CN215914677U refers to an ultrasound bone age detection device comprising a frame, an ultrasonic scanning module, a limb fixation module, and a storage device for the coupling medium, all arranged within the frame. The ultrasonic scanning module includes an ultrasonic probe, a device for actuating the ultrasonic probe so that it moves back and forth to complete the scanning process, and a control module for the actuating device. CN219557362U and CN211962085U describe similar devices. However, the correct positioning of the ultrasound probe when the operator lacks sufficient experience remains an unresolved issue.

[0021] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Glove and one-handed anchoring device for age estimation using ultrasound.

[0023] To address the problem described in the previous section, a glove with ultrasound gel, at least on its dorsal surface, and a hand anchoring device are presented to immobilize the hand from the wrist to the fingers. For proper fixation and standardization of ultrasound imaging, it is crucial that the ultrasound probes can only be positioned in one specific location: longitudinal to the diaphyseal axis of the bone and perpendicular to the bone surface of each epiphysis being studied. A glove and device that allow for simple, rapid, economical, and radiation-free hand ultrasound imaging, without the need for specialized training, are described below, offering the same results as plain radiography.

[0024] One aspect of the present invention relates to a glove prepared to incorporate ultrasound gel, at least on its dorsal surface. It therefore relates to a double glove made of a resistant material that conducts ultrasound (such as silicone, nitrile, vinyl, or latex) and contains the ultrasound gel between the two layers of the glove. The gel is required on the dorsal surface of the hand, so the glove is preferably double-layered only on this side, ensuring that the ultrasound gel is distributed solely on the dorsal surface. To ensure that the gel is distributed evenly over the dorsal surface of the hand and to prevent its free movement within the space created by the double layer of the glove, a high-density gel, such as those known as high-density ultrasound conductive gels, is preferably used.Another version of the glove is made of a resistant, ultrasound-conducting material (such as silicone, nitrile, vinyl, or latex) and incorporates an ergonomically shaped, ultra-dense gel pad on the back. This design eliminates one of the glove's two layers (the outermost) and improves image quality.

[0025] On the dorsal surface of the glove, or on the surface of the ultra-dense gel ampoule / pad, are printed markings for 10 locations where the ultrasound probes will be placed for the ultrasound scans. These markings are called "windows" and are numbered sequentially to avoid errors when positioning the probes for image acquisition. Preferably, the windows are rectangular with the longer side aligned with the diaphyseal axis of the bone. These markings are printed and located on the dorsal surface of the metaphyseal regions corresponding to the metacarpophalangeal joints of the first to fifth fingers, the trapeziometacarpal joint, and the radiocarpal and ulnocarpal joints on their dorsal and lateral aspects (Table 1). Screen printing can be used for this purpose. Optionally, the glove may be disposable.The glove should cover the entire wrist area, including the distal third of the ulna and radius.

[0026] Table 1. Anatomical location of the glove windows

[0027]

[0028]

[0029] The invention also relates to a hand anchoring device that includes a first mechanism consisting of a branched structure of five rails made of a resistant yet adaptable material, such as polyurethane, semi-rigid PVC, polyethylene, semi-rigid resin, silicone, or also EVA foam, neoprene, nylon, polyamide, and / or synthetic leather such as superskin, which can be rigid or semi-elastic. This branched rail structure serves to anchor a series of boxes (AE boxes) into which the ultrasound probe(s) to be used will be inserted in the appropriate position and location. The rails can have a circular, square, or rectangular cross-section, with a diameter or sides of between 2 and 4 mm, depending on the dimensions of other elements of the mechanism described later.The five rails are inserted, at one end, into a component we have called the common trunk; at the other end, one rail is inserted into an end element for the first finger, and the other four rails are inserted into a distal end element. To enhance the stability of the boxes, the rails are preferably double.

[0030] In addition to the branched structure described above, the invention also relates to a second wristband-type mechanism that allows for the study of the metaphyses of the distal regions of the radius and ulna. The wristband encompasses the wrist joint complex, from the radiocarpal joint to the distal radioulnar joint and the ulnocarpal joint. This wristband-type mechanism is made of a resistant yet adaptable material, such as polyurethane, semi-rigid PVC, polyethylene, semi-rigid resin, silicone, or also EVA foam, neoprene, nylon, polyamide, and / or synthetic leather such as superskin, which can be rigid or semi-elastic (similar to the branched structure of the fingers), and serves to anchor the ultrasound probes on the wrist in the appropriate position.To do this, the bracelet includes three boxes (FH boxes): a G box located in a channel formed by two parallel walls that allows the G box to slide; an F box located in a position corresponding to the lateral region of the wrist, and an H box located in a position corresponding to the medial region of the wrist.

[0031] To anchor the probes to the rails of the branched structure and the wristband channel, the device includes eight rectangular parallelepiped-shaped structures without a top or bottom, which we have referred to as "boxes" in this description. These boxes are sized to accommodate the ultrasound probes. The probes are preferably selected from those at least 4 cm long and 1 cm wide. Furthermore, these boxes are movable along the branched structure and the wristband, allowing them to slide and be positioned precisely over the glove's windows. Ideally, the probes are wireless and transmit ultrasound images via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, although they can also operate via cable.

[0032] A single probe can be used, positioned successively over the glove windows numbered 1 to 10. Preferably, eight probes are used, each housed in a separate box. Probe A captures images of windows 1 and 2; probes B through E capture images of windows 3 through 6, respectively; probe F captures images of window 7; probe G captures images of windows 8 and 9; and probe H captures images of window 10. Alternatively, between one and seven probes can be used, positioned sequentially in the boxes to cover all glove windows. The variable number of probes is possible because the ultrasound images of each glove window / metaphyseal region are captured one at a time. All probes are interchangeable.

[0033] The probes of choice are linear, flat ultrasound probes specifically designed for the musculoskeletal system and small parts, specifically ultra-high-frequency stick probes with a minimum frequency range of 18 to 24 MHz. In this descriptive report, the terms “probe,” “ultrasound probe,” and “stick probe” are used interchangeably.

[0034] For proper attachment and standardization of image acquisition for each probe, a system is required to secure the branched structure and wristband to the hand, and the probe to the branched structure and wristband. The branched structure can be secured to the hand with a ring for each finger and a wristband for the common shaft, using a Velcro, ring, strap, or any reversible adhesive, allowing for manual adjustment around the fingers and wrist. The wristband, the second mechanism of the device, can also be secured with a ring, Velcro, strap, or any reversible adhesive. In this way, the branched structure and wristband are secured and positioned over each of the joints to be studied, indicated by the windows marked on the dorsal surface of the glove or on the ultra-dense gel pad.

[0035] To attach each probe to the branched structure and the bracelet inside the boxes, different types of elements can be used, from sailboats, puzzle-type fittings, click-type joints or any other type of reversible adhesive.

[0036] The wristband is defined by a channel, enclosed by two parallel walls. Each wall has a guide on its inner side for sliding a housing into which an ultra-high-frequency linear probe (the same type of probe used for finger scans) can be attached. This housing moves parallel to the wrist, allowing the probe to scan the entire dorsal circumference. Two additional housings are positioned on either side of the wrist; each housing can accommodate an ultra-high-frequency linear probe to acquire ultrasound images of both sides of the wrist.

[0037] The probe can be placed over each window of the glove and slid along the channel of the wristband manually.

[0038] Both mechanisms can also be installed simultaneously with the wristband inserted into the branched structure, forming a single device. For this, the wristband is anchored to the branched structure using click-type, male-female, or direct-fit couplings.

[0039] The finger-mounted transducer and the wristband can be used together or separately (they are not mutually exclusive). Ideally, only the finger-mounted transducer should be used for children aged 18 months to 7 years; both the transducer and the wristband should be used for children aged 7 to 16 years; and only the wristband should be used for adolescents aged 16 to 20 years. This way, for example, to establish legal age at immigration checkpoints, only the wristband could be used, guaranteeing the same results as with the complete device. Furthermore, the order in which the ultrasound images are taken is irrelevant because each window / anatomical region has its corresponding image and independent analysis. Therefore, it is not necessary to follow a specific order.In fact, if an image is of insufficient quality because the corresponding ultrasound probe did not capture it properly or because the bone anatomy of the individual being studied is not ergonomically sound, that image can be omitted. The age of a child or young person can be estimated even without all the images from the device's ultrasound probes or from each of the two mechanisms.

[0040] The hand being examined can be of varying widths. To correctly adjust the position of the different ultrasound probes, the rails of the branched structure can be inserted into tabs that fit into openings in the finger grips and the main body. These openings, which we have called "movement spaces," allow for slight adjustments in the position of the rails and, consequently, the ultrasound probes.

[0041] Another aspect of the invention relates to an age detection system that includes at least one of the two mechanisms described herein and an ultrasound device. The first mechanism (branched structure) has between one and five ultra-high-frequency pediatric stick probes with a minimum frequency range of between 18 and 24 MHz. The second mechanism (wristband) has between one and three ultrasound probes. When both mechanisms are included, the device can be used with a single probe. When multiple probes are available, each ultrasound probe can have its mode, depth, resolution, and other parameters pre-set according to the epiphysis being examined. This solution prevents manual adjustment of the probe's frequency and penetration power, thus allowing the device to be used by personnel without medical training.Images of the metaphyseal region obtained from each of the joints under study allow for the standardization and automation of decision-making by age prediction software, usable by both medical and non-medical personnel. This software is fed by a database of previously acquired images to which known ages have already been assigned. This database will be enhanced with artificial intelligence so that the software itself can continuously improve its predictions.

[0042] The hand and wrist anchoring device can also be used like a standard ultrasound probe, using any commercially available ultrasound software. In this case, each individual's age is determined using an ultrasound-guided bone maturation atlas, which allows for the identification of the child's growth stage. With this option, the bone maturation atlas is integrated with the device and provides different images for each metaphyseal closure stage in each region being studied.

[0043] The invention also relates to a method for estimating the age of a child or adolescent, which includes the following steps:

[0044] a) inserting the individual's hand into the glove that includes ultrasound gel at least on the back, as described in this report;

[0045] b) place the branched rail structure described in this document on the glove from step a), specifically on the part that corresponds to the back of the hand; c) anchor the branched rail structure to the hand;

[0046] d) fit a probe into box A of the branched rail structure and place box A over window 1;

[0047] e) record the image obtained in step d);

[0048] f) repeat steps d)-e) placing box A over window 2 and fitting the ultrasound probe successively into boxes B, C, D and E, placing them over windows 3-6, successively and respectively;

[0049] g) compare the images from steps e)-f) with images from an image bank of the same regions of the hand and with known ages or with a bone maturation atlas;

[0050] h) Estimate the age of the individual under study. If 5 probes are available, one of them is attached to box A and each of the other 4 probes to boxes BD, so that the probe in box A is placed over window 1 (step d)) and subsequently over window 2 (repeating step e)), while the other four are each placed over a window from 3 to 6 and the images obtained are recorded simultaneously, without the need for step f).

[0051] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for estimating the age of an infant or young person using between 2 and 4 ultrasound probes, which includes the following steps:

[0052] a) inserting the individual's hand into a glove that includes ultrasound gel at least on the back, as described in this report;

[0053] b) place on the glove of step a) specifically on the back of the hand, the branched rail structure described in this report;

[0054] c) anchor the branched rail structure by hand;

[0055] d) fit a probe into box A of the branched rail structure over window 1 of the glove in step a);

[0056] e) record the image obtained in step d);

[0057] f) repeat steps d)-e) placing box A over window 2, fitting another 1-3 probes into boxes B, C, D and E and placing these boxes over windows 3-6, successively and respectively;

[0058] g) compare the images from steps e)-f) with images from an image bank of the same regions of the hand and with known ages or with a bone maturation atlas;

[0059] h) estimate the age of the individual under study.

[0060] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for estimating the age of an infant or young person using ultrasound probes, which includes the following steps: a) inserting the individual's hand into a glove that includes ultrasound gel at least on the back, as described in this document;

[0061] b) place over the glove from step a) the wristband included in the mechanism for positioning ultrasound probes over the windows (7-10) described in this document; c) anchor the wristband from step b) to the individual's wrist;

[0062] d) fit an ultrasound probe into box F and place it over window 7; e) record the image obtained in step d);

[0063] f) Repeat steps d)-e) with an ultrasound probe fitted into box G over window 8;

[0064] g) Repeat steps d)-e) with an ultrasound probe fitted into box G over window 9;

[0065] h) Repeat steps d)-e) with an ultrasound probe fitted into box H over window 10;

[0066] i) compare the images from steps e)-h) with images from an image bank of the same regions of the wrist and with known ages or with a bone maturation atlas;

[0067] j) estimate the age of the individual under study;

[0068] In this method, the number of ultrasound probes can be between 1 and 3; when there are 3 ultrasound probes, steps f)-h) can be performed simultaneously, if there are 1 or 2 they must be done successively.

[0069] On the other hand, this last method described, based on the use of the wristband described in this document, can be performed in conjunction with any of the methods also described herein and based on the use of the branched rail structure. If 8 probes are available, in this case, one probe is attached to box A and positioned over window 1; another probe to box G and positioned over window 8; the remaining probes are anchored to boxes BF and H and each is positioned over a window from 3 to 6, 7, and 10. The sliding of the boxes containing the ultrasound probes is only necessary to position box A and box G over windows 2 and 9, respectively.

[0070] The glove, along with either of the two mechanisms or the complete device, as well as the methods described, can be used from the moment the secondary ossification centers or epiphyses begin to appear until they are fully fused. In short: between 18 months and 20 years of age.

[0071] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] To complement the description provided and to aid in a better understanding of the invention's features, a set of figures is included as an integral part of this description. A list of the various elements represented in the figures included in this specification is provided below:

[0073] 1-10. Windows (printed on the back of the glove).

[0074] 11. Glove.

[0075] 111. Ultra-dense gel blister / pad (111)

[0076] 12. Branched structure.

[0077] 121. Common trunk (121) of the branched structure (12).

[0078] 122. Distal end (122) of the branched structure (12).

[0079] 123. First finger end (123) of the branched structure (12).

[0080] 13. Rails.

[0081] 14. Bracelet.

[0082] 15. Probes.

[0083] 161. Common trunk fastening system (121).

[0084] 162. Finger attachment system for the second, third, fourth and fifth fingers.

[0085] 163. First finger attachment system.

[0086] 17. Wrist fastening system.

[0087] 181. Movement space of the branched structure (12).

[0088] 182. Lateral movement spaces (182) of the wristband (14).

[0089] 183. Medial movement spaces (183) of the wristband (14).

[0090] 19: Sliding tab (19) into which the rails (13) are inserted.

[0091] 20. Channel (20) of the bracelet (14).

[0092] AH. Boxes.

[0093] The figures, which are for illustrative purposes only and not exhaustive, represent the following:

[0094] Figure 1. Figure 1A: Glove with double back and ultrasound gel filling, with printed markings or windows for positioning the ultrasound probe(s) (1-10). Figure 1B: Representation of a glove with an ultra-dense gel plate incorporated on the back.

[0095] Figure 2. Complete hand anchoring device consisting of a branched structure (12) of rails (13) and a wristband (14), which allows the boxes (AH) with the probes (15) to be positioned in the location of each window (1-10) of the glove (11). Figure 2A: Complete device anchored to the hand. Figure 2B: Palmar view of the hand with the anchored device. Figure 2C: Schematic of the branched structure (12).

[0096] Figure 3. Detail of the coupling between a box (D) and a probe (15) that allows the positioning of the probe on the hand in the correct position.

[0097] Figure 4. Metaphyseal section of each anatomical region of study as seen in a radiographic image. The red circles indicate each of the metaphyses (growth zones) of study.

[0098] Figure 5. Examples of finger fastening (16 and 16'). Figure 5A: Ring type for each finger, manually adjusted with a Velcro strap. Figure 5B: Clamp type for each finger. BOTH ELEMENTS ARE KNOWN IN THE PRIOR ART.

[0099] Figure 6. Detail of the coupling of the rails (13) at the distal end (122) of the branched structure (12) where it can be seen that there is a space of movement (181) to position the rails (13), inserted in a sliding tab (19), in the correct anatomical location.

[0100] Figure 7. Schematic of the wristband (14) with a channel (20) through which the box (G) with a probe (15) slides to trace the dorsolateral perimeter of the wrist and the box (F) with a probe (15). Figure 7A: correct position of the wristband (14). Figure 7B: top view of the wristband (14) with the channel (20) and the boxes (F and G) (yellow) with the probes (15) (red) positioned; Figure 7C: side view of the wristband (14) with a probe (15) inserted in the box (F) and positioned.

[0101] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0102] The present invention is illustrated by the following examples, which are not intended to be limiting of its scope.

[0103] Example 1. A latex glove (11) was manufactured using a ceramic mold to avoid seams or splices that could cause cracking, and was designed in various sizes to be used on hands from 18 months to 20 years of age. A specific mold was made for each size. The length of the gloves for each size is specified in cm.Size 1 for children 18 months to 2 years old (9-10 cm); Size 2 for children 2 to 3 years old (11 cm); Size 3 for children 3 to 5 years old (12 cm); Size 4 for children 5 to 10 years old (13-14 cm); Size 5 for children 10 to 14 years old (15-16 cm); Size XS for children 14 to 20 years old with very small hands (17-18 cm); Size S for children 14 to 20 years old with small hands (19-20 cm); Size M for children 14 to 20 years old with medium hands (21-22 cm); Size L for children 14 to 20 years old with large hands (23-25 ​​cm); Size XL for children 14 to 20 years old with extra-large hands (26-27 cm); XXL size for children aged 14 to 20 years with extra large double hand (28-29 cm).

[0104] The glove was made with two dorsal layers, between which a compact ultrasound gel pad was inserted. The glove material (11) was latex, which is very resistant but conducts ultrasound, providing a skin-like effect. An ultra-dense gel pad (Aquaflex, Parker Laboratories INC) was incorporated into the dorsal part, shaped to the same form as the hand, allowing for an ergonomic fit.

[0105] To mark the windows (1-10) in which each ultrasound probe (15) should be positioned, as indicated in the diagram in Figure 1A, these windows (1-10) were screen-printed on the dorsal side of the glove (11) in correspondence with the joints referred to the hand and wrist described in Table 1.

[0106] Example 2. A glove (11) was made as described in Example 1, but the double layer on the back was filled with ultra-dense gel (Ultra / Phonic conductivity gel, from Hill Laboratories Company).

[0107] Example 3. A glove (11) was made as described in Example 1 but the ultradense gel was placed adhered to the dorsal part of the glove (11) as a pad (111) (GEL PAD, from Hill Laboratories Company), thus avoiding the second layer of the glove (11) as shown schematically in Figure 1 B. The windows (1-10) were screen-printed onto the pad itself, in the anatomical regions described in Table 1.

[0108] Example 4. As shown in Figures 2A and 2C, a branched structure (12) of rails (13) was fabricated from semi-rigid resin, perfectly adaptable to the hand. It consists of five double rails (13) whose distribution coincides with the dorsal aspect of each finger and which are joined to a common trunk (121), which is fixed to the wrist by means of a fastening system (161). From the common trunk (121), the five double rails (13) branch out, following the extensor tendons of the back of the hand, ensuring their positioning above each metaphysis under study (Figure 4). Each rail (13) has a circular cross-section 3 mm in diameter and is fitted with a housing (AE) made from the same material as the branched structure (12).Each box (AE) is a rectangular parallelepiped, 5 cm long and 16 mm wide, open at the top and bottom, with an interior cavity the same size as the probe stick (15), allowing it to fit snugly inside (Figure 3). Each box (AE) also has two holes at the top of its side walls for assembly with its corresponding rail (13). This allows each box (AE) to move along the rail (13), enabling the correct positioning of each probe (15) within its study area. The branched structure (12) also has a distal end (122) and a first finger end (123) to which the rails (13) are attached.To allow adjustment of the rails' position (13) to the width of the individual's hand, the rails (13) were inserted into tabs (19) located in movement spaces (181) that allow slight horizontal movement of each rail (Figure 6). These movement spaces (181) are gaps between 16 and 20 mm wide with a clearance of 2 mm, and between 2.5 and 4.5 mm high, depending on the dimensions of the rails (13) and the boxes that house the probes (15); in this specific case, they were made 18 mm wide by 2.5 mm high. To fix to the hand the common trunk (121), the distal end (122) and the end of the first finger (123) of the branched structure (12), finger-fastening systems (162 and 163) (Figure 2, especially 2B, and Figure 5) and the common trunk (161) (Figure 2, especially 2B) were used.

[0109] Like the gloves (11), the branched structure (12) of rails (13) was designed in various sizes to be used on hands from 18 months to 20 years. Size 1: for children 18 months to 2 years; size 2: for children 2 to 5 years; size 3: for children 5 to 10 years; size 4: for children 10 to 14 years; size 5: for children 14 to 20 years.

[0110] Example 5: An oval, bracelet-like structure (14) was fabricated from semi-rigid silicone to be placed around the wrist of the individual under study. It is secured ventrally using a wrist fastening system (17). As shown in Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C, the bracelet (14) includes a channel (20) to which a housing is attached, containing an ultrasound probe (15). The channel (20) allows the housing to slide, scanning the entire dorsal perimeter of the wrist. Two movement spaces (182 and 183) were created in the bracelet (14), one lateral and one medial. A housing (F and H) was attached to each movement space (182 and 183) of the bracelet (14) using a male-female coupling (female for the housing and male for the bracelet).

[0111] To fasten the bracelet (14) around the wrist, various wrist-fastening systems (17) can be used; in this example, a watch strap that can be manually adjusted was used. A Velcro-type clasp could also have been used.

[0112] The bracelet (14) was also designed in several sizes to fit the different wrists of the children in the study. Size 1: for children 18 months to 2 years old; size 2: for children 2 to 5 years old; size 3: for children 5 to 10 years old; size 4: for children 10 to 14 years old; size 5: for children 14 to 20 years old.

[0113] Example 6. A wristband (14) like the one described in Example 5 was used to determine the age of an undocumented individual from Mali who arrived in Gran Canaria in a small boat after 6 days at sea. An age estimation test was performed in which, first, a size L glove was placed on the left hand (this is where these tests are initially performed due to the greater frequency of use of the right hand). A glove (11) like the one described in Example 1, and shown in Figure 1A, was then placed on the individual. It was important to pull the glove up onto the forearm so that the entire wrist of the individual was covered by the glove (11).

[0114] Second, a size 5 wristband (14) (20 cm long including the fastening system (17)) was selected and placed around the wrist, always over the glove (11) and in contact with its surface. The wristband (14) was secured to the wrist with an adjustable watch clasp to prevent its movement as a wrist fastening system (17).

[0115] First, boxes F and H were placed over their corresponding windows (7 and 10, respectively) of the glove (11), and images of the lateral metaphyses of the radius and ulna were taken. Second, box G was placed over its corresponding windows (8 and 9, successively) to scan the dorsal aspect of the wrist circumference. The images obtained were transmitted via Bluetooth to the ultrasound equipment (hardware) where they could be viewed.

[0116] These images were compared to a database created by the ultrasound software, which consisted of previously acquired ultrasound images to which known ages had already been assigned. Furthermore, the database is fed with artificial intelligence so that the software itself can continuously improve its predictions. After the comparison, the software automatically returned an age range and a stage (i.e., an age interval) with a percentage of accuracy and inclusion within each age group.

[0117] The same process was also performed on the right hand, obtaining the same age range (16.2 - 17.6 years; mean of 16.8 years).

[0118] Example 7. Using the same type of glove (11), wristband (14), and method, the age of a woman who arrived on the same vessel as the individual in Example 6 and who was in her third trimester of pregnancy was estimated. Due to her special condition, radiology could not be used as a diagnostic technique, and the ultrasound method explained above was used. In this case, the result of the technique was a similar age range for both wrists (17.3–18.1 years; mean 17.8 years).

[0119] Example 8: A branched structure (12) of rails (13) with anchored probes, as described in Example 4 but made of polyurethane, was used to determine the age of a person from India who had been adopted by a Spanish family and whose age was unknown, as the civil registry of her country of origin did not have her documentation. To enable the child to enroll in school, the hand anchoring device was used to estimate her age. First, the left-hand glove (11) was selected according to the size of the child's hand. In this case, a latex glove with an ultra-dense gel ampoule (111) attached to the back of the glove was selected, as shown in Figure 1B, Size 2 for children aged 2 to 3 years (11 cm), ensuring that the gel ampoule (111) was placed on the back of the child's hand (see Example 3).

[0120] Secondly, a branched structure (12) of rails (13) of size 2 (8 cm in length) was selected to be placed over the glove (11). This branched structure (12) of rails (13) was positioned over the girl's hand with each rod over one of the fingers. It was secured with a Velcro-type finger-fastening system (162 and 163) to the distal region of each finger (just at the last finger joint), and with a common trunk-fastening system (161) around the wrist. In this way, the device was anchored to the hand. The hand was placed on a table to maintain it in a horizontal position.

[0121] Subsequently, five stick-type probes (15) were placed, one in each of the designated boxes (AE), secured with a magnet located between the sides of each box (AE) and the corresponding probe (15). By sliding each box (AE) along the rails (13), the probes (15) were positioned over the glove's windows to keep each probe in the precise location for examination. Box A was placed over window 1, and boxes BE over windows 3-6, respectively. Once the five probes were positioned in this manner, the branched system was readjusted to ensure that each probe (15) was in contact with the gel ampoule (111), by slightly adjusting the rail position using the tabs (19) located in the movement spaces (181) of the branched structure (12).

[0122] Once the entire mechanism was anchored, images were taken of each of the six metaphyseal joints / regions of the fingers under study. Each image provided by each probe (15) was sent via Wi-Fi to the ultrasound equipment, which automatically compared them with its pre-installed ultrasound database and returned an age range (1.8–2.6 years; mean 2.2 years) with a percentage of accuracy for each epiphysis.

[0123] Finally, the software generated a more probable interval using the data from the 6 ultrasound images.

[0124] The same process was performed with the right hand of the girl (2.2 - 3.1 years; average of 2.5 years).

[0125] Example 9: The complete device, including the branched structure (12) with a probe (15) stick and the wrist mechanism (14) with a probe (15) stick, was used in the case of a minor of sub-Saharan origin who was signed by a professional football team to be part of the youth academy for players who would later become part of the official team. To place him in the correct age category, an age estimate was requested through an ultrasound study of carpal bone growth.

[0126] To carry out the study, the hand anchoring device with the 2 mechanisms was used. First, a vinyl glove (11) with a double back and gel filling, as described in Example 2, size 5 for children aged 10 to 14 years (15 to 17cm) was placed on the left hand, making sure that the gel filling was located in the dorsal region and that the glove covered the entire wrist of the child.

[0127] Secondly, a size 4 rail structure (13) (14 cm long) was selected to be placed over the glove (11). This branched rail structure (12) was positioned over the child's hand, with each double rail (13) positioned over each finger. The branched rail structure (12) was secured to the distal end of each finger (just above the last finger joint) with ring-type finger fastening systems (162 and 163) and to the wrist with a common trunk fastening system (161). This anchored the mechanism to the hand. The hand and forearm were then placed on a table to ensure proper operation of the device and to maintain a horizontal position.

[0128] Subsequently, a stick-type probe (15) was inserted into box A of the branched structure (12) using a male-female assembly. Box A was then slid along the rail (13) and positioned directly above the window (1) of the glove corresponding to the metacarpophalangeal joint of the first finger. Once the probe (15) was secured, the branched structure (12) was reattached to ensure that the probe (15) was in contact with the surface of the glove (11) containing the ultrasound gel.

[0129] Once the entire device was anchored, images were taken of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the first finger (window 1). The image provided by the probe (15) was sent via Bluetooth to the ultrasound equipment, which automatically compared it with the ultrasound database already mentioned in this description and returned an age range with a percentage of accuracy for that metaphyseal region.

[0130] This same procedure was performed for each anatomical region under study, using the five boxes (AE) enabled in the branched structure (12). The stick-type probe (15) was simply slid from box A and positioned, following the same procedure, over window (2) (trapeziometacarpal joint of the first finger). Once the probe (15) was in place, an image was captured and analyzed by the ultrasound software to obtain an age range. Subsequently, the probe (15) was released from box A and placed in box B over window 3 (metacarpophalangeal joint of the second finger).

[0131] Following the same procedure, age estimation results were obtained for each of the six anatomical regions of the study related to the fingers. Finally, the software generated a most probable age range using the data from all the images analyzed.

[0132] Third, a size 4 wristband (14) (18 cm long) (identical to the branched structure (12)) was selected and placed around the child's wrist, always over the glove (11) and in contact with the surface of the glove's double layer containing the gel. The wristband (14) was secured to the wrist by a wrist fastening system (17), which, in this example, consisted of an adjustable Velcro closure to prevent movement.

[0133] Once the wristband (14) was secured, a probe was placed in box F to obtain an image of the glove window (11) (lateral radiocarpal joint). After the ultrasound image was taken, the probe (15) was released and placed in box G to obtain images of windows 8 and 9. Finally, the same procedure was performed for window 10 using box H.

[0134] All images obtained in the branched structure (12) and in the wristband (14) were sent via Bluetooth to the ultrasound equipment (hardware) where they could be viewed.

[0135] These images were compared with the image bank of an ultrasound bone maturation atlas of the hand, which allowed calculating an age range for each metaphysis studied and a phase with a percentage of success and inclusion within each age group.

[0136] Finally, using the atlas, a more probable interval (12.4 - 13.2 years) was generated with the data from all the images studied.

[0137] Both mechanisms were used equally on the right hand, obtaining the same age range.

[0138] Example 10: Both mechanisms (branched rail structure (12) (13) and wristband (14)) were used simultaneously in a case involving a minor who was flown to Madrid and whose age was unknown. False documentation was detected at customs, and therefore the judicial authority requested an age estimate from customs itself in order to decide on the minor's entry into the country.

[0139] To carry out the study, the hand anchoring device with the 2 mechanisms was used. First, a nitrile glove with the back filled with gel, as described in Example 2, Size XS for children aged 14 to 20 years with very small hands (17-18 cm) was placed on the left hand, ensuring that the gel was located in the dorsal region and that the glove covered the entire wrist of the child.

[0140] Secondly, a branched rail structure (12) of size 5 (16 cm in length) was selected to be placed over the glove (11). This branched rail structure (12) was positioned over the child's hand, with each rail (13) over one of the fingers. It was secured to the distal end of each finger (at the last joint) with a Velcro-type finger fastening system (162 and 163) and to the wrist with a wrist strap-type common trunk fastening system (161), securing the branched structure (12) around the wrist. In this way, the mechanism was anchored to the hand and wrist. The child's hand and forearm were placed on a desk for proper operation of the device.

[0141] Subsequently, a stick-type probe (15) was placed in each of the boxes (AE) of the branched structure (12) (metacarpophalangeal joints of the fingers, windows 1, 3-5 of the glove (11)) using a puzzle-type anchor. The boxes were then slid along the rails (13) until they were positioned directly over windows 1, 3-5 printed on the glove (11), according to the order shown in Table 1. In this case, the movement spaces (181) of the rails (13) at the distal end (122) of the branched structure (12) were used to laterally position the rails (13) over each anatomical region of study, allowing them to be adapted transversely to the child's hand. To do this, the tab (19) where the rails (13) were inserted was slid across the movement space (181) of the distal end (122) of the branched structure (12).Once the probes (15) were placed, the branched structure (12) of rails (13) was re-fixed until it was ensured that each probe (15) was in contact with the surface of the glove (11) and over the corresponding window.

[0142] Once the entire system was anchored, images were taken in each of the 5 windows. Next, box A was moved along the rail (13) until it was positioned over window 2 of the glove (11), and the corresponding image was captured. All images provided by the probes (15) were sent via a power cable to the ultrasound equipment, which automatically compared them with the ultrasound database and returned an age range with a percentage of accuracy for each metaphyseal region from 1 to 6.

[0143] Finally, the AI-powered software generated a more probable interval using data from the 6 probes.

[0144] Third, a size 5 wristband (14) (16 cm in circumference, including a wrist fastening system (17)) (same size as the branched rail structure (13)) was selected and placed around the wrist, always over the glove (11) and in contact with the surface of the glove (11). The wristband (14) was secured to the wrist by means of a wrist fastening system (17) consisting of an adjustable watch strap-type clasp, to prevent its movement.

[0145] Subsequently, the F box was placed on the lateral wrist over window 7, corresponding to the distal radial epiphysis on its lateral aspect, and inserted into the lateral movement space (182) of the wristband (14) using a click-type connector. The image corresponding to that epiphysis was then captured and transferred to the ultrasound software via a power cable. The same procedure was performed for window 10, inserting the H box into the medial movement space (183) of the wristband (14) using a click-type connector. Separately, the G box was fitted into the channel (20) of the wristband (14), and a probe (15) was inserted inside. The G box was first positioned over window 8 and then over window 9, and the corresponding images were captured.

[0146] Although not all captured images were valid, those that were were compared with the ultrasound software database, which automatically returned an age range and phase with a percentage of accuracy and inclusion within each age group (18.2–19.4 years). It is important to note that it is not essential for all images taken from all windows to be correct and usable; that is, the age estimation procedure remains valid even if not all images can be used.

[0147] Both mechanisms were used equally on the right hand, obtaining the same age range.

[0148] Example 11: The device referring to the branched structure (12) of rails (13) with boxes (AE) for the probes (15) was used to determine the age of a child with a cancer diagnosis and growth impairment who was hospitalized at the Niño Jesús Hospital in Madrid. The endocrinology service initially requested a radiological test of the left hand to check the maturation status of the hand bones, but to avoid radiation, the use of the hand anchoring device was proposed to estimate his bone age using ultrasound.

[0149] First, the glove (11) for the left hand was selected according to the size of the child's hand. In this case, a latex glove (11) with an ultra-dense gel ampoule (111) attached to the back of the glove was selected, size 4 for children aged 5 to 10 years (13-14 cm), making sure to place the gel ampoule (111) on the part of the glove (11) that covers the dorsal surface of the child's hand.

[0150] Secondly, a branched rail structure (12) of size 3 (11 cm in length) was selected to be placed over the glove (11). This branched rail structure (12) was positioned over the child's hand, with each rail (13) placed over each finger. It was secured to each finger with a ring-type fastening system (162 and 163) and to the wrist with a common trunk-type fastening system (161). In this way, the mechanism was anchored to the hand. The hand was placed on a table to maintain it in a horizontal position.

[0151] Subsequently, a stick probe (15) was placed in each of the designated AE boxes. The five probes (15) were attached to the AE boxes with a magnet located on the inner surface of each of the larger walls of the boxes. By sliding each box along the rails (13), the probes (15) were positioned over each window (1, 3-6) of the glove (11) to keep each probe (15) in the precise location for examination. Once the five probes (15) were positioned in this manner, the branched rail structure (12) (13) was readjusted to ensure that each probe (15) was in contact with the gel ampoule (111) located on the dorsal surface of the glove (11). To do this, the rails (13) were slightly displaced, which had to be adapted by moving the tabs (19) in which the rails (13) were inserted, and this displacement was carried out in the movement spaces (181) of the branched structure (12).

[0152] Once the entire system was anchored, images were taken of each of the five metaphyseal joints / regions under study. Next, box A was moved along the rail (13) until it was positioned over window 2, and the corresponding image was captured. Each image from each probe (15) was transmitted via Bluetooth to the ultrasound machine. There, they were analyzed by the pediatrician and endocrinologist who had requested the diagnostic test, who determined the child's bone age using the hand ultrasound bone maturation atlas.

[0153] The same procedure was performed with the child's right hand.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Glove for age estimation using ultrasound, made of a resistant and ultrasound-conducting material, characterized in that it incorporates ultrasound gel by means of: - two layers of resistant and ultrasound-conductive material, at least on their back side, containing the ultrasound gel or an ultra-dense gel ampoule / pad between the two layers, or - an ultra-dense gel blister / pad (111) attached to its dorsal side.

2. Glove for age estimation with ultrasound according to claim 1 including ten windows (1-10) printed on the dorsal surface of said glove (11) or on the surface of the ultradense gel blister / pad (111) and are located on the dorsal surface of the metaphyseal regions corresponding to the metacarpophalangeal joints of the first to fifth fingers, and the trapeziometacarpal joint, as well as the radiocarpal and ulnocarpal joints in their dorsal and lateral region.

3. Glove for age estimation using ultrasound according to any of the preceding claims, encompassing the wrist joint complex, covering the distal third of the ulna and radius.

4. Glove for age estimation using ultrasound according to any of the preceding claims made of silicone, nitrile, vinyl and / or latex.

5. Mechanism for positioning ultrasound probes (15) on the windows (1-6) of the back of the glove (11) or on the surface of the ultradense gel ampoule / pad (111) defined in any of claims 1-4 comprising: - a fastening system for the second, third, fourth and fifth fingers (162) and the first finger (163); - a common trunk fastening system (161) to the wrist; - a branched structure (12) of rails (13) with five rails (13) that are inserted into separate tabs (19) located in openings called movement spaces (181) of the branched structure (12) in the finger-holding systems (162 and 163) at one end and in the common trunk (121) at the other end; - 5 boxes (AE) in the shape of rectangular parallelepipeds without a top or bottom base, movable along the rails (13) and with elements for holding the ultrasound probes (15).

6. Mechanism for positioning ultrasound probes (15) on the windows (1-6) according to claim 5, wherein the branched structure (12) of rails (13) is made of a resistant and adaptable material.

7. Mechanism for positioning ultrasound probes (15) on the windows (1-6) according to claim 6, wherein the resistant and adaptable material is selected from the group consisting of: polyurethane, semi-rigid PVC, polyethylene, semi-rigid resin, silicone, rigid or semi-elastic EVA rubber, rigid or semi-elastic neoprene, rigid or semi-elastic nylon, rigid or semi-elastic polyamide, and / or rigid or semi-elastic synthetic leather.

8. Mechanism for positioning ultrasound probes (15) over the windows (1-6) according to any of claims 5-7 wherein the section of the rails is circular, square or rectangular, with a diameter or side of 2-4 mm.

9. Mechanism for positioning ultrasound probes (15) over the windows (1-6) according to any of claims 5-8 wherein the finger-fastening systems (162 and 163) are of the ring, sail, strap and / or any reversible adhesive type.

10. Mechanism for positioning ultrasound probes (15) on the windows (1-6) according to any of claims 5-9 wherein the fastening elements of the ultrasound probes (15) to the boxes (AE) are selected from the group consisting of: clamps, puzzle-type fittings, click-type joints and / or any reversible adhesive.

11. Mechanism for positioning ultrasound probes (15) over the windows (1-6) according to any of claims 5-10 wherein the rails (13) of the branched structure (12) are double.

12. Mechanism for positioning ultrasound probes (15) on the windows (1-6) according to any of claims 5-11 wherein the rails (13) are inserted into tabs (19) located in recesses called movement spaces (181) of the branched structure (12) and made in the fastening system (161) of the common trunk (121) and in the fastening systems (162 and 163) of the fingers.

13. Mechanism for positioning ultrasound probes (15) on the windows (7-10) of the back of the glove (11) or on the surface of the ultradense gel ampoule / pad (111) defined in any of claims 1-4 comprising: - a bracelet (14) with a channel (20); - 3 boxes (FH) shaped like rectangular parallelepipeds without a top or bottom base, of which box F is inserted into a lateral movement space (182) of the wristband (14), box H is inserted into a medial movement space (183) of the wristband (14) and box G is movable along the channel (20), and all 3 boxes include fastening elements for the ultrasound probes (15); - a wrist fastening system (17).

14. Mechanism for positioning ultrasound probes (15) over the windows (7-10) according to claim 13 wherein the wristband (14) is made of a resistant and adaptable material.

15. Mechanism for positioning ultrasound probes (15) on the windows (7-10) according to claim 14, wherein the resistant and adaptable material is selected from the group consisting of: polyurethane, semi-rigid PVC, polyethylene, semi-rigid resin, silicone, rigid or semi-elastic EVA rubber, rigid or semi-elastic neoprene, rigid or semi-elastic nylon, rigid or semi-elastic polyamide, and / or rigid or semi-elastic synthetic leather.

16. Mechanism for positioning ultrasound probes (15) on the windows (7-10) according to any of claims 13-15 wherein the fastening elements of the ultrasound probes (15) to the boxes (FH) are selected from the group consisting of: handles, puzzle-type fits and / or click-type joints.

17. Mechanism for positioning ultrasound probes (15) over the windows (7-10) according to any of claims 13-16 wherein the wrist fastening system (17) of the bracelet (14) is of the ring, sail, strap and / or any reversible adhesive type.

18. One-handed anchoring device for age estimation using ultrasound comprising: - a mechanism as defined in any of claims 5-12 for positioning ultrasound probes (15) over the windows (1-6) on the back of the glove (11) defined in any of claims 1-4; - a mechanism as defined in any of claims 13-17 for positioning ultrasound probes (15) over the windows (7-10) on the back of the glove (11) defined in any of claims 1-4, where the wristband (14) of the mechanism for locating ultrasound probes (15) over the windows (7-10) is inserted within the branched structure (12) of rails (13) of the mechanism for locating ultrasound probes (15) over the windows (1-6).

19. An individual's age detection system comprising any of the mechanisms defined in claims 5-17 or the device defined in claim 18 and an ultrasound equipment with between 1 and 8 ultrasound probes.

20. System for detecting the age of an individual according to claim 19 wherein the probes (15) are small part ultrasound probes.

21. An individual's age detection system according to claim 20, wherein the probes (15) are ultra-high frequency stick probes with a minimum frequency range of between 18 and 24 mHz.

22. Method for estimating the age of an infant or young person using an ultrasound probe (15) that includes the following steps: a) inserting the individual's hand into a glove (11) defined in any of claims 1-4; b) placing on the glove of step a) the branched structure (12) of rails (13) included in the mechanism for placing ultrasound probes (15) on the windows (1-6) defined in any of claims 5-12; c) anchor the branched structure (12) of rails (13) by hand; d) fit a probe (15) into box A of the branched structure (12) of rails (13) and place box A over window 1 of the glove from step a); e) record the image obtained in step d); f) repeat steps d)-e) placing box A over window 2 and fitting the probe (15) successively into boxes B, C, D and E, placing them over windows 3-6, successively and respectively; g) compare the images from steps e)-f) with images from an image bank of the same regions of the hand and with known ages or with a bone maturation atlas; h) determine the age of the individual under study.

23. Method for estimating the age of an infant or young person using between 2 and 5 ultrasound probes (15) that includes the following steps: a) inserting the individual's hand into a glove (11) defined in any of claims 1-4; b) placing on the glove of step a) the branched structure (12) of rails (13) included in the mechanism for placing ultrasound probes (15) on the windows (1-6) defined in any of claims 5-12; c) anchor the branched structure (12) of rails (13) by hand; d) fit a probe (15) into box A of the branched structure (12) of rails (13) over window 1 of the glove in step a); e) record the image obtained in step d); f) repeat steps d)-e) by placing box A over window 2, fitting another 1-4 probes (15) into boxes B, C, D and E and placing said boxes over windows 3-6, successively and respectively; g) compare the images from steps e)-f) with images from an image bank of the same regions of the hand and with known ages or with a bone maturation atlas; h) determine the age of the individual under study, where, in the case of using another 4 probes in step f) the recording of the images obtained is simultaneous.

24. Method for estimating the age of an infant or young person using ultrasound probes (15) which includes the following steps: a) inserting the individual's hand into the glove (11) defined in any of claims 1-4; b) placing on the glove of step a) the wristband (14) included in the mechanism for placing ultrasound probes (15) over the windows (7-10) defined in any of claims 13-17; c) anchor the bracelet from step b) to the individual's wrist; d) fit a probe (15) into box F and place it over window 7; e) record the image obtained in step d); f) repeat steps d)-e) with a probe (15) fitted into box G over window 8; g) repeat steps d)-e) with a probe (15) fitted into box G over window 9; h) Repeat steps d)-e) with a probe (15) fitted into box H over window 10 i) compare the images from steps e)-h) with images from an image bank of the same regions of the wrist and with known ages or with a bone maturation atlas; j) determine the age of the individual under study, where the number of ultrasound probes (15) can be between 1 and 3 and, correspondingly, steps f)-h) can be successive or simultaneous.

25. Method for estimating the age of a child or adolescent, including any of the methods defined in claims 22-23 and the method defined in claim 24.

Images