Growth patterns: Pathology vs. Normal variation

Growth of children and adolescents follows a universal pattern with three distinct growth spurts. Common medical practice refers to normal child growth as a health and biological advantage, and considers "pathology in growth" as a deviation from the universal pattern. Growth can differ in amplitude and tempo with considerable variation both within and between populations over time, and depending on geographic region. Local growth charts are necessary to adapt the universal pattern of growth to characteristics of a specific historic or modern population. Local charts can visualize the distinct ethnic and historic diversity of human growth and allow pathology to reference the local conditions. Local charts are most appropriate for both "normality" as a statistical dimension and pathology as disease. We illustrate the significance of local growth charts for an example pathology Turner syndrome (TS). TS-patients are "short". However, short stature is relative, as it refers to local norms. For example, Swedish TS-women reach an average height of more than 3 SD below Swedish norms, a height of which would be considered "short normal" compared to healthy Indian women. We consider body height as a signal within the social group. Competitive growth and strategic growth adjustments in height reflect hope for a better life following political liberation, but also illusions of equity, freedom, justice, and the expectation of social advancement. Height is relative and only has value as a relative measure among family members, neighbors, and peers. Screening for pathology requires a concept of health that includes the local context.