From the Research
The predicted adult height for a boy with a bone age of 17 and a current height of 159 cm is likely to be very close to his current height, approximately 159-161 cm (5'2"-5'3"). At a bone age of 17, most boys have completed or nearly completed their growth, as the growth plates in their bones are closing or have already closed. Boys typically experience their growth spurt between bone ages of 12-14, with growth slowing significantly after bone age 16. Any remaining growth potential would be minimal, usually less than 2-3 cm at most. This prediction is based on the physiological fact that once bone age approaches 17 in males, about 99% of final adult height has already been achieved. The limited growth potential remaining is due to the advanced skeletal maturation and the natural biological process of growth plate closure that occurs at the end of puberty.
Some studies, such as 1, have developed equations for predicting adult height based on height and bone age in childhood, but these are more relevant for younger children or those with significant growth potential remaining. For a boy with a bone age of 17, the most relevant consideration is the minimal remaining growth potential, rather than the specific prediction method used. Other studies, such as 2 and 3, have compared the accuracy of different height prediction methods, but these are also more relevant for younger children or those with more significant growth potential remaining. In the context of a boy with a bone age of 17, the key factor is the advanced skeletal maturation, which limits the remaining growth potential.
Key points to consider:
- Bone age of 17 indicates advanced skeletal maturation
- Minimal remaining growth potential, usually less than 2-3 cm
- Growth plates are closing or have already closed
- Prediction methods are less relevant for boys with minimal remaining growth potential
- Physiological factors, such as growth plate closure, are more important than specific prediction methods.