Growth Pilates: What Are They, and When Do They Close or Reopen?

Growth Plates

Growth plates, also medically known as epiphyseal plates are vital regions that allow bone growth during childhood and adolescence. They are located near the ends of long bones such as femur and tibia and enable the bones to grow taller until the adolescence is over. Growth plates consist of hyaline cartilage, which gradually undergoes a process called endochondral ossification, where cartilage is replaced by bone. This process continues until the growth plates close, typically between ages 14-16 in females and 16-18 in males, although some bones, like the clavicle, may grow into the mid-20s. Growth plate health is influenced by factors such as genetics, nutrition, physical activity, and hormonal balance. Injuries to growth plates are common in young individuals and can lead to complications if not properly treated, such as uneven growth or deformity. Once the growth plates close, natural height increase is no longer possible. Understanding growth plates is crucial for addressing concerns about growth and for medical professionals when planning surgeries or managing growth-related conditions.

Do Growth Plates Reopen?

Growth plates do not reopen once they have closed. During childhood and adolescence, growth plates remain active (open), allowing bones to lengthen as the body grows. This process continues until the growth plates close, typically in the late teens or early twenties, depending on factors like gender and genetics. Closure occurs when the cartilage in the growth plates is completely replaced by bone, signaling the end of natural height growth. Once this process is complete, there is no natural way for growth plates to reopen or resume activity. While some people wonder if growth plates can reopen due to hormonal treatments or other interventions, medical science confirms that this is not possible. Any height increase after growth plate closure would require surgical methods, such as limb-lengthening procedures. It is proven that through limb lengthening surgeries, individuals can increase their height even though their growth plates are closed. Other than the surgery, there is no scientific fact that proves height can increase after the growth plates are closed.

The growth plate is a thin layer of cartilage located at the ends of long bones. It is usually divided into three main sections: the resting zone, the proliferative zone, and the hypertrophic zone.

Can Height Increase Happen After Growth Plates Are Closed?

If your growth plates have closed, natural height increase is no longer possible. After the growth plates close, the potential for natural bone lengthening ceases. While bones can still thicken and change shape to some extent, the elongation process effectively stops. The closure of growth plates does not completely halt bone growth; rather, it marks the end of height increase. However, you can still achieve height growth through limb (leg) lengthening surgery. This procedure can increase your height by 8-10 cm with one surgery, and up to 12-16 cm with two surgeries.

Below is an example of our patient who achieved a stature 10 cm taller through limb lengthening surgery after his growth plates are closed.

Below are the X-rays of our patient during the lengthening phase.

Are There Any Pills To Increase Height After Growth Plates Are Closed?

There are no pills or hormones that can reopen growth plates once they have closed. Growth plates, also known as epiphyseal plates, close permanently after adolescence when they are replaced by solid bone, marking the end of natural height growth. During the growth phase, hormones like growth hormone, thyroid hormone, and sex hormones (e.g., estrogen and testosterone) play a vital role in stimulating the activity of growth plates. However, after closure, these hormones can no longer affect bone length. While some companies may market supplements or pills claiming to increase height, such products lack scientific evidence and are often misleading. Hormonal treatments, such as growth hormone therapy, are only effective in children or adolescents with specific medical conditions that impair growth and must be administered under strict medical supervision. For adults looking to increase height, surgical procedures like limb-lengthening surgery are the only viable option.

For adults seeking to increase their height after growth plates have closed, limb-lengthening surgery is the only scientifically proven option. This surgical procedure involves carefully breaking the bone and gradually lengthening it using a specialized device, such as an external fixator or internal rods. Over time, new bone tissue grows in the gap, allowing the limb to become longer. Limb-lengthening surgery can add several centimeters to a person’s height, but it also requires significant commitment, as the recovery period is lengthy, often spanning several months to a year, and involves physical therapy to rebuild strength and mobility in the legs. While it is not a decision to be taken lightly, limb-lengthening surgery offers a life-changing option for those who are determined to achieve greater height and are willing to undergo the rigorous process.

For more information about this procedure you can take a look at our article about limb lengthening surgery. To create the best treatment plan for you, feel free to contact us. Our professional team is here to answer your questions and support you.

For detailed information and appointment:
Phone & WhatsApp: +90 531 988 30 90
Email: support@wannabetaller.com
Instagram: @wannabetaller

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *