At what age does physeal closure typically occur in males?

Physeal closure in males, which signifies the end of longitudinal bone growth, typically occurs around 16.5 years of age. This timing can vary slightly based on individual differences, including genetics and nutrition, but generally, it aligns with this age range. The physeal plates, also known as growth plates, gradually ossify and close after puberty as a result of hormonal changes, thus halting further growth in height.

Understanding the timing of physeal closure is crucial in sports medicine, especially when assessing the growth and development of young athletes. Practitioners must be aware of these physiological changes to make informed decisions regarding training programs, injury prevention, and treatment strategies for stresses on the skeletal system during growth spurts.