Can You Determine Growth Plate Closure at Home? Key Insights

Can one independently determine whether the growth plates have fused?

Hello, doctor.
I heard that if the growth plates fuse, a person will no longer grow taller.
Is it necessary to go to the hospital for an examination to determine if the growth plates have fused? Is there any way to assess this by touch, such as feeling the bones? If so, could you please tell me how? Thank you.

Additionally, if someone does not grow taller between the ages of 18 and 21, does that mean they will not grow taller after the age of 21? Thank you.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/02/22

Dr. Xie Huimin reply Nutrition

The growth plates are located at the ends of the bones and are stimulated by growth hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, which continuously promotes the proliferation of cartilage.
The newly formed cartilage undergoes calcification to become hard bone, resulting in the lengthening and widening of the bones.
The period from birth to one year of age is the fastest growth phase in a person's life, after which the growth rate gradually slows down until puberty, when sex hormones interact with growth hormones, leading to a rapid increase in height and weight.
The duration of height growth depends on the closure of the growth plates; once the growth plates close, it indicates that the bones have matured and will no longer grow, thus height will not increase further.
The primary determinant of a person's height is genetics, although there are exceptions.
Height is not determined by a single specific gene.
However, environmental factors can still contribute to height increase.
Proper nutrition and exercise can aid in growth; a balanced diet rich in protein, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, and the minerals magnesium and zinc is essential, as these nutrients play significant roles in growth and development.
Additionally, appropriate exercise, as long as it is not excessive, can stimulate the growth plates to promote height increase.
At the age of 21, you may want to consult an orthopedic doctor, as the closure of growth plates cannot be determined through palpation.
An orthopedic doctor can perform an X-ray to determine whether the growth plates have fused.

Reply Date: 2008/02/22

More Info

Determining whether growth plates have closed is a crucial aspect of understanding growth potential, especially during adolescence. 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 these plates close, which typically occurs after puberty, further growth in height is no longer possible.

To answer your first question, it is not feasible to determine the closure of growth plates at home through physical examination or touch. The growth plates are located deep within the bone structure, and they cannot be palpated or felt from the outside. The only reliable method to assess whether growth plates have closed is through medical imaging, specifically X-rays. An orthopedic doctor can take X-rays of the relevant bones, such as the knee or wrist, to visualize the growth plates and determine their status.
In general, growth plates close at different ages for different individuals, influenced by factors such as genetics, nutrition, and hormonal changes. For most females, growth plates typically close around ages 16 to 18, while for males, this can occur between ages 18 to 21. Therefore, if you are between the ages of 18 and 21 and have not experienced any height increase, it is possible that your growth plates may be closing or have already closed. However, this is not a definitive conclusion without medical evaluation.

Regarding your second question, if you have not grown taller between the ages of 18 and 21, it is likely that you may not experience significant height increases after 21. However, there are exceptions, and some individuals may experience minor growth even after this age, although it is rare. The closure of growth plates signifies that the bones have reached their mature length, and further height increase is unlikely.

It is also important to note that height is primarily determined by genetics, but environmental factors such as nutrition and physical activity can play a role during the growth years. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, including proteins, calcium, vitamins D and C, and minerals like magnesium and zinc, is vital for optimal growth. Regular physical activity, particularly weight-bearing exercises, can also promote bone health and development.

In conclusion, if you are concerned about your growth potential or the status of your growth plates, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized insights based on your growth history, family background, and any relevant medical evaluations. Remember, while height is an important aspect of physical appearance, it is just one of many factors that contribute to overall health and well-being.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Growth Plate Closure and Height Variations in Children

Hello, Doctor. I have two questions to ask you. The first one is, which area should be examined to accurately determine the closure of the vertebral growth plates? Does the closure of the vertebral growth plates occur faster than that of the hand? The second question is, what is ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. The closure of the growth plates is usually assessed by examining the wrist; by the age of 24, they are typically closed. 2. The margin of error in height measurement is generally not that significant.

How to Check Growth Plate Healing: X-Ray and Cost Insights

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask how to check if the growth plates have fused. Should I get an X-ray or is there another method? I am considering visiting an orthopedic specialist for an evaluation and would like to understand the costs involved. Thank you.

Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear Sir/Madam: To determine whether the growth plates have matured and closed, the best method is to take an X-ray of the growth plates around the knee joint. Please visit our pediatric orthopedic outpatient clinic. If you have health insurance, the cost is not high, approxima...

Understanding Growth Plate Closure: Concerns for Your Son's Height

Hello Doctor, my son just started ninth grade this year, and this semester he has only grown 1 cm (currently 171 cm). During the summer, we took him for a bone age assessment, and the doctor said he has entered stage four of sexual maturity. The X-ray indicated that his growth pl...

Dr. Lin Yishou reply Pediatrics
Dear Parents, According to your letter, your child's bone age is nearing closure, and the annual growth rate is gradually declining. Indeed, there is only 1-2 years left for growth. Any form of exercise is beneficial, so jumping rope is certainly one of the options. However...

Understanding Growth Pain and Growth Plate Closure in Children

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if my child has been experiencing frequent growing pains recently, could this indicate that her growth plates are about to fuse? Generally, growth plates fuse during puberty, but does this vary from person to person? My daughter started her mens...

Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: Growing pains are not related to the closure of growth plates. If a third-grade girl has started menstruating, there may be an issue of precocious puberty, and I recommend taking your daughter to a pediatrician at the hospital. As long as the child has a balanced diet and ...