Can CP stunt your growth? - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

JellyRJFan · 08-21-2006, 10:51 PM

Just something I've been wondering about lately since my twin sister is 6'1", my older sister is 5'11" and I'm 5'5"

Midget · 08-22-2006, 12:04 AM

*high-five* I, too, am only 5'5". Perhaps that is the magic hieght that all people with CP get to.

I actually asked the ortho, and he told me that some people with CP are just delayed in their growth. However, when I asked my GP, he said I was done growing.

My mom and my sister are about 5'4", my dad is 5'11", and my brother is 6'1", and I one of the docs said he estimated I'd make it to about 5'9". I'm almost 20, and I'm no where near that hieght. So I have my doubts. But I am now a well-adjusted short person, and thankful for all the tight spots I can easily fit into, and how much more comfortable it is for me to fly or take the train, compared to taller people.

Jo-Lynn · 08-22-2006, 01:26 AM

Good question. I am 5 2" (as is my mother). My sisters are 5' 6" and 5' 8" and my bro is 6 ft. My dad is 5' 8". My daughter who is 15 is 5' 7" and my 11 yr old son is gaining on me fast!!! So maybe!!!!!!!!!! Do we have a tall person on this board???

Steffers2318 · 08-22-2006, 07:57 AM

I think maybe it's harder for spastic muscles to grow, ya know what I mean? Also, I'm 5'2", but I cannot stand completely straight...my knees are somewhat bent and I'm also bent at the hips, so without that I think I'd be at least 5'3" (my mom's height) or 5'4" (my sister's height). Guess I'll never know, though

.

Although the CP might affect an inch or two, I think it's mostly genetics (Aww man, now you have me thinking about those stupid Punnet(?) Squares from science class, lol), and I think there are a lot of different possible combinations for height, it won't necessarily be the same as siblings.

newcastle2 · 08-22-2006, 08:28 AM

Katherine, this topic has already been addressed here, if I remember well (the thread's name was Short???) I'm about 5,5'' if I converted centimeters to feet correctly

)

I've read that spasticity may inhibit muscle and bone growth. Most people with CP I know are shorter than AB people, although most of them are within "normal" height.

Genetics plays its role as well, as I know tall spastic CPers too (very few, though, i.e. Musicmaker) I think sometimes just genetics wins over spasticity. I don't know.

Kat