Appropriate growth is important for both normal physical and psychological development. A growth rate that is too rapid or too slow can sometimes indicate a significant underlying medical illness.
Growth evaluations usually begin with a careful medical history review. We are especially interested in the patient's growth history, as well as the heights, weights, and growth patterns of close relatives A complete physical exam can often offer clues as to the nature of the growth issue. A simple x-ray known as a "bone age" can give us information as to how a person's actual age matches their stage of development. These x-rays can also give us clues concerning a person's growth potential. We typically perform blood and urine testing to rule out various medical and endocrine illnesses.
Some patients need more complex studies of growth hormone production to see if they would benefit from growth hormone treatment.