Do We Need X-Rays of Feet or Knees After Growth Plate Fusion? - Orthopedics

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When it comes to the question of whether additional X-rays of the feet or knees are necessary after the growth plates have fused, it's important to understand the implications of growth plate closure and the role of X-rays in assessing growth potential.

Firstly, growth plates, or epiphyseal plates, are areas of developing cartilage tissue located at the ends of long bones. They are responsible for the lengthening of bones during childhood and adolescence. Once a person reaches skeletal maturity, which typically occurs in late adolescence to early adulthood, these growth plates close and are replaced by solid bone. In your son's case, at 19 years and 6 months, it is highly likely that his growth plates have indeed fused, especially if a medical professional has confirmed this through an X-ray of the hand, which is a common method to assess skeletal maturity.

The closure of growth plates signifies that the bones can no longer grow in length. This means that, in general, once the growth plates are closed, further height increase is not possible. Therefore, additional X-rays of the feet or knees are typically unnecessary for determining growth potential. The growth plates in these areas would have also fused if the hand X-ray indicated that skeletal maturity has been reached.
In terms of your concern about your son's height and whether he could have benefited from growth hormone therapy, it's important to note that growth hormone treatment is most effective when initiated before the growth plates have closed. Once they are fused, the potential for height increase through hormonal treatment is significantly diminished.
Moreover, the average height for adult males varies by population, and while your son may feel self-conscious about his height, it's essential to recognize that height does not define a person's worth or capabilities. If there are concerns about his growth or health, consulting with an endocrinologist or a specialist in growth disorders could provide additional insights and options.

In summary, based on the information provided, there is no need for further X-rays of the feet or knees to assess growth potential after the growth plates have fused. Your son is likely at his final adult height, and while it may be disappointing, it is a normal part of development. If there are ongoing concerns about his health or growth, seeking advice from a healthcare professional would be the best course of action.