My sister has delayed growth for her 15 years of age. What should be done to improve her growth?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Good day. Thanks for your query.

I am afraid that I do not have good news for you.

In your sister's age, it is not possible to increase height of about 2 or 3 inches with any medications. The growth plates in the bones close after 13 - 15 years of age in females and no increase in height possible. Growth plates are the areas of new bone growth in children and teens. They are made up of cartilage, a rubbery, and flexible material. For instance, the nose is made of cartilage. As kids grow, the growth plates harden into solid bone. A growth plate that has completely hardened into solid bone is a closed growth plate. After a growth plate closes, the bones are no longer growing. Growth plates usually close near the end of puberty. For girls, this usually is when they are around 13 - 15 years old and for boys, it is when they are about 15 - 17 years old. What is the height of your father and mother? Your sister may have an average height of both of them.

Another option is limb lengthening surgery.

Thanks.