Boys typically stop growing when their bone age reaches 16 years or more.
Growth plates, located near the ends of long bones, are responsible for linear growth. As boys progress through puberty, these growth plates gradually thin and eventually fuse, signaling the end of growth. Bone age is a measure of skeletal maturity and can be determined by X-raying the left hand and wrist and comparing it to standard radiographs. When a boy's bone age reaches approximately 16 years, the growth plates have usually fused, and further significant height increase is unlikely.
It's important to note that this is a general guideline. Individual variation exists, and some boys might experience minor growth spurts even after a bone age of 16. Factors like genetics, nutrition, and overall health can also influence growth patterns. A bone age assessment can help determine where a child is in terms of growth completion.
