Growth Plate Closure and Its Impact on Height in Teens

Growth plate fusion

Hello, doctor.
My son is a 15-year-and-9-month-old high school freshman.
He is 162.5 cm tall and weighs 71 kg.
We took him to a doctor for an examination, and an X-ray of his hand revealed that his growth plates are nearly fused.
The doctor indicated that he will not grow any taller.
However, my son has not developed any secondary sexual characteristics.
The doctor recommended hormone testing (drawing blood every 30 minutes for two hours to observe the response) and chromosome testing.
I would like to know the purpose of these two tests.
The doctor mentioned that these tests would not help with height, so why are they still necessary to pay for out of pocket? Additionally, I would like to ask if the near fusion of growth plates definitively means he cannot grow taller.
Are there any exercises or dietary changes that could potentially help him grow a bit more? Thank you.
(I am 183 cm tall, and I grew from 160 cm to 183 cm in my second year of high school, so I thought my son would experience something similar.
However, the doctor confirmed that he will not grow any taller.)

len, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/23

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

If the growth plates have completely fused, it is indeed unlikely that further height increase will occur.
Typically, boys' growth plates fuse between the ages of 16 and 18.
The doctor may believe that your son's growth plates have fused earlier than expected and is concerned about potential pathological factors, such as hormonal abnormalities or chromosomal disorders.
This is why these two tests were conducted; early detection and treatment are essential if any pathological abnormalities are found.

Reply Date: 2016/04/23

More Info

Understanding the closure of growth plates and its implications for height is a crucial aspect of adolescent development. In your case, your son, who is 15 years and 9 months old, has been found to have nearly fused growth plates, which typically indicates that his potential for further height increase is limited.
Growth plates, or epiphyseal plates, are areas of developing cartilage tissue near the ends of long bones. They are responsible for the lengthening of bones during childhood and adolescence. Once these plates close, which usually occurs after puberty, the bones can no longer grow in length, effectively capping the individual's height. The timing of growth plate closure can vary significantly among individuals, influenced by genetics, nutrition, and hormonal factors.

In your son's situation, the fact that he has not yet developed secondary sexual characteristics suggests that he may be experiencing delayed puberty. This is where the recommended hormone tests come into play. The purpose of conducting hormone tests, particularly those related to sex hormones, is to assess whether his body is producing adequate levels of testosterone (in boys) or estrogen (in girls). These hormones play a critical role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics and also influence the timing of growth plate closure.
The chromosomal analysis is likely aimed at ruling out any genetic conditions that could be contributing to his delayed puberty and growth issues. Conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome or Turner syndrome can affect growth and development, and understanding whether these are factors can help guide appropriate interventions.

While the physician indicated that these tests would not directly contribute to increasing height, they are essential for understanding your son's overall health and development. If a hormonal imbalance is identified, it may open up treatment options that could help stimulate growth or address other developmental concerns.

Regarding the possibility of increasing height through exercise or diet after growth plate closure, it is important to note that once the plates are fused, the potential for significant height increase is minimal. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is still beneficial for overall well-being. Regular physical activity can improve posture, muscle strength, and overall health, which can help your son present himself taller and more confident. Nutritional support, including adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, is essential for bone health, but it will not reverse growth plate closure.

In summary, while your son may not have much opportunity for further height increase due to the closure of his growth plates, understanding his hormonal status through the recommended tests is crucial. This knowledge can help address any underlying issues related to delayed puberty and ensure that he receives appropriate care and support as he continues to grow and develop into adulthood.

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