Growth Clinic
We check a child's current development with growth plate tests, assess growth potential, and advise on diet and exercise for healthy growth.
Growth plates are the parts of the arm and leg bones where they grow in length, cartilage at both ends of the bone. Once they close, height barely increases. They usually close in the order fingers and toes, then knees, then wrists and spine. At puberty the knee plates close while the spine stays open. Leg growth matters most for height, so it is best to start before puberty while the knee plates are open.
Growth plate test
Shows how much more a child may grow. X-rays check whether the plates in the knee, wrist and heel are open. Under 10, the left hand and wrist are imaged; from 10, the knee, elbow and shoulder.
Childhood obesity check
Parents focus on height, but obesity gets less attention. Western-style diets and poor habits are driving a rise in childhood obesity, often dismissed as baby fat, yet it can cause many complications.
When is a growth plate test needed?
- Growing less than 4 cm a year
- Among the shortest in class for several years
- Very short even though puberty is well under way
How we diagnose
We take a history and do basic tests to check for conditions that hinder growth, and look at hormones, the endocrine system, exercise, sleep and nutrition.
History and examination
We check symptoms, medical history and lifestyle, then perform a physical exam.
Height and weight
Measurements are interpreted for the child's age and sex, not simply as tall or short, heavy or light.
Growth plate X-ray
X-rays show whether growth plates in the knee, wrist and heel are open. Under age 10, the left hand and wrist are imaged; from age 10, the knee, elbow and shoulder.
How we treat it
Looking at height, weight, obesity and BMI together, we find and prevent problems in growth early so children grow into healthy adults.
Growth hormone treatment
For constitutional growth delay, growth speed is checked every 6 months. If hormone secretion is abnormal, the missing hormone is supplemented or excess hormone suppressed so normal growth can occur.
Lifestyle factors
We analyze which of nutrition, exercise, stress and sleep is holding back growth, and work to fix it.
When surgery is consideredTo help a child grow well, watch their growth closely. Beyond supplements, building healthy daily habits matters most.