Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I underwent a knee X-ray to determine if my plates were still open. The report stated that only a lateral view was available, so the growth plates could not be seen. Does this mean that the X-ray failed to capture my kneecap? I would like to know if they are fused.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Did you have any injury in your knee, and are you concerned regarding the affected growth? Nevertheless, as per the report you have attached (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), it seems that the lateral view of the knee is visualized, and your growth plate has fused. This may be either good or bad, depending on your age, prior history of any injury, and the reason behind the X-ray assessment.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor for the reply,
I did not injure my knee. I took the X-ray to determine if my plates were still open to growth. I am 19 years old. An X-ray of the elbow was also taken. I was told by another doctor that bone age X-rays are not meant for people older than 15. I just wanted to know about the growth plates in my knees.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The ends of the long bone decide the vertical growth of the limbs. In the lower limb, the lower end of the thigh bone and the upper end of the leg bone decide your remnant growth potential. Both these growth plates fuse almost together. As per the report (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) you have provided, the growth plate at the lower end of the thigh bone is fused. The upper end of the leg bone (tibia) is also likely to have a similar finding. In other words, your lower limb's remnant vertical growth potential appears to be limited.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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