Patient's question:
Hello, is the protrusion of the patella a sign of bone growth and maturation? If so, does it mean that height growth cannot continue? I started noticing the gradual protrusion of my patella at 16, and now it is very noticeable. I am 19 years old now, and since 15, I haven't grown even a centimeter. During puberty, due to dietary and sleep factors, I experienced severe malnutrition and got many illnesses. Now I am only 160 cm tall. Hello, can a doctor determine if I can still grow taller by looking at the patella? What kind of help do you need: Thank youDoctor's answer:
Human growth and development reach maturity with many signs: such as the weak Adam's apple in males and deep voices; the high-pitched voices and pronounced secondary sexual characteristics in females, etc. Height is primarily determined by the growth of the epiphyses on both sides of the bones, followed by the growth of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Therefore, it is not possible to determine if one can grow taller by looking at the kneecap. Once the epiphyses of the human body fuse, height is set. The epiphyses are mainly located on both sides of long bones, such as the limbs. Therefore, to understand how to grow taller, X-rays of the joints nearby, such as the wrist joints, can be taken. As long as the epiphyses have not fused, there is still potential for growth.