When Do Epiphyseal Plates Close in Males?
In males, epiphyseal plates typically close around age 14-16 years, with complete closure occurring by approximately age 18-19 years. 1
Epiphyseal Plate Closure Timeline in Males
Epiphyseal plates (growth plates) are cartilaginous areas located at the ends of long bones that are responsible for longitudinal bone growth. Their closure follows a predictable pattern:
- Before age 12: Epiphyseal plates are highly active, contributing about 10% to whole-body bone activity 2
- Age 14-16: Most epiphyseal plates begin closing 1
- Age 16-18: Majority of growth plates complete their closure
- By age 19: Virtually all epiphyseal plates are closed in males
Regional Differences in Closure Timing
Growth plate closure doesn't occur simultaneously throughout the body:
- Lower extremities: Typically close later than upper extremities
- Distal femur and proximal tibia: Among the last to close, contributing to final height determination
- Wrist and hand: Often close earlier than lower limb growth plates
Factors Affecting Epiphyseal Closure
Several factors can influence the timing of growth plate closure:
- Hormonal factors: Sex hormones (particularly testosterone in males) accelerate growth plate closure during puberty
- Genetic factors: Family history influences closure timing
- Nutritional status: Poor nutrition may delay closure
- Medical conditions: Certain endocrine disorders can alter normal closure timing
- Medications: Some treatments (like cis-retinoic acid) can cause premature closure 3
Clinical Significance
Understanding epiphyseal plate closure timing is crucial for:
- Growth assessment: Monitoring height potential in adolescents
- Orthopedic interventions: Timing surgeries for limb deformities before growth plate closure 1
- Sports medicine: Evaluating risk for growth-related injuries in adolescent athletes
- Fracture management: Different approaches needed for fractures near open growth plates
Common Pitfalls in Assessment
- Individual variation: There can be significant variation between individuals in closure timing
- Radiographic vs. functional closure: Growth plates may appear partially fused on imaging but still have growth potential
- Regional differences: Assuming all growth plates close simultaneously
- Asymmetry: Growth plates may not close at exactly the same time on both sides of the body
For clinical purposes, when evaluating a male adolescent's growth potential, it's important to recognize that significant height increases are unlikely after age 18-19 when epiphyseal closure is complete in most males.