Can a 15-year-old child who is 155 cm tall still grow taller?
Apr 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Shuai
Introduction
If an X-ray examination of a 15-year-old child who is 155 cm tall shows that the epiphyseal plates have not yet fully closed, this indicates there is still potential for height growth, and the child is generally able to grow taller. However, if the cartilage at the epiphyseal plates has completely ossified, forming a tight suture between the epiphysis and the metaphysis, this usually indicates that the epiphyseal plates are fully closed and bone growth has ceased, meaning the child, despite being 15 years old and 155 cm tall, generally will not grow any taller.
Whether a 15-year-old child who is 155 cm tall can still grow taller generally depends on whether the epiphyseal plates have closed. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Yes
The epiphyseal plate is the layer of cartilage located between the epiphysis and the metaphysis of a bone. It typically shortens gradually with age, and once the growth plates are fully closed, bone growth stops. If an X-ray examination of a 15-year-old child who is 155 cm tall shows that the epiphyseal plates have not yet completely closed, this indicates there is still potential for height growth, meaning the child can usually grow taller.
2. No
If an X-ray reveals that the cartilage between the epiphysis and metaphysis has completely ossified, forming a tight suture line, this usually means the epiphyseal plates are fully closed and bone growth has ceased. In such cases, a 15-year-old child who is 155 cm tall generally cannot grow any taller.
Maintaining balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and engaging in appropriate physical exercise during periods of rapid growth and development may usually help promote height increase.
