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Glossary term

Skeletal maturity

The state in which the growth plates have fully closed, ending skeletal growth.

Updated 2026-02-240 aliases1 sourceUsed across articles and safety pages

Definition

Skeletal maturity is the stage at which longitudinal growth through the growth plates is substantially complete. It matters to implant choice and elective adult stature-lengthening discussions. Pediatric reconstructive limb lengthening is a separate field and can be performed before maturity for selected conditions under different protocols. [1]

Updated 2026-02-24

Sources

Informational only. Not medical advice.

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