Bone Age Closed, Height Increased by 10 cm: What's Going On and What to Do

Completion of bone age closure usually indicates that the bones have stopped natural growth and development, and height is basically determined. However, an increase in height of 10cm may still occur due to environmental influences, abnormal bone development, endocrine factors, localized epiphyseal plate closure, spinal development, etc. If abnormalities are noticed, timely medical consultation is recommended to identify the underlying cause and implement targeted treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Environmental Influences

Nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and other environmental factors can promote bone growth and development. Even after completion of bone age closure, improvements in diet, appropriate physical exercise, and sufficient sleep may still contribute to some degree of height increase. Usually, no specific treatment is required.

2. Abnormal Bone Development

Certain bone developmental abnormalities may lead to continued height growth even when the epiphyseal plates are nearly closed. These abnormalities may involve changes in bone structure, shape, or growth patterns, and may be accompanied by pain, deformity, or other bone-related symptoms. Treatment may require surgical correction.

3. Endocrine Factors

Abnormal secretion of growth hormone may cause unusual height growth. This may be accompanied by precocious puberty or thyroid dysfunction. If abnormal height growth is caused by endocrine disorders, hormone therapy may be administered under medical guidance. Patients with growth hormone deficiency may receive growth hormone replacement therapy.

4. Localized Epiphyseal Plate Closure

There are differences in the timing of closure of epiphyseal plates in different body parts. The epiphyseal plates in the wrist may close earlier, while those in other areas such as the spine and pelvis may still remain open, allowing for potential further growth, which may manifest as uneven height increase. Appropriate exercise focusing on the unclosed areas, such as whole-body activities, can help promote bone development and height growth.

5. Spinal Development and Growth

Even after completion of bone age closure, the spine may still increase in length through natural physiological processes such as thickening of the intervertebral discs. Typically, no specific associated symptoms are present, although spinal curvature or morphological changes may occur. Maintaining good posture in daily life—for example, sitting upright with chest out and head held high—and strengthening core and back muscle exercises to support spinal health and promote natural development are recommended.

It is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, ensure adequate sleep, improve dietary habits, adjust overall physical condition, and maintain good health.