Last updated on August 5, 2026
Question:
What is the order of growth plates closing?
I’m a 17-year-old male, and I got an X-ray to see if I’m growing or not. The doctor only x-rayed my wrist and elbow and said that my growth plates are closed. I read somewhere that the order of growth plates closing is “growth plates in the knees generally close at about the same time as the ones in the wrist. The usual progression of fusion of growth plates is elbow first, then foot and ankle, then hand and wrist, then knee, then hip and pelvis, and last the shoulder and clavicle.” Is that quote correct, and does the hip growth plate include the top of the femur bone? I’m just curious if there is any chance I have some growth left because maybe my hip growth plate could be open?
I would appreciate it if you guys could answer my question. Thanks.
Answer:
Your quote appears to be from Dr. Shari Nethersole, a pediatric doctor, who wrote, “Has Teen Stopped Growing.” I was not able to locate additional sources to confirm what Dr. Nethersole wrote. I did find the exact same quote repeated many times and attributed to different people or to no one at all. I cannot find a medical site to confirm whether what was stated is true.
Typically, a wrist X-ray includes the wrist and hand. The bones in the hand are a good indicator of how far you have developed. Height comes mostly from your leg bones and your spine. By the time the bones in the hand are fully grown, the rest of the body is also at its full height, so I would not expect you to be growing anymore.