Intermediate
Technical
IVT
epiphyseal fusion
Pronunciation: ep-ih-FIZ-ee-ul FYOO-zhun
The closure of growth plates marking the end of longitudinal bone growth during late adolescence.
Full Definition
Epiphyseal fusion occurs when the cartilaginous growth plates at the ends of long bones close and are replaced by bone tissue, typically completing by ages 16-18 in females and 18-20 in males. This process marks the cessation of height gain and is crucial for determining growth potential in adolescent patients. Healthcare providers use bone age assessment to predict when fusion will occur and counsel families about final adult height expectations.
Usage
Usage note: Often shortened to 'fusion' in clinical contexts, but the full term provides clarity in formal documentation.
In Context
- "The radiologist confirmed epiphyseal fusion in the patient's wrist X-rays, indicating minimal remaining growth potential." — Radiology report
- "Parents should be counseled that height gain will cease after epiphyseal fusion occurs." — Clinical documentation
Also known as
growth plate closure
physeal closure
Contrasted with
growth plate patency
open epiphyses
Don't confuse with
epiphyseal arrest
growth plate injury