Can I grow taller?

This question has been done tons of times but here I go:
I'm a 18 year old guy who is 5'7 and a bit worried about my height. I would like to keep growing until I'm 5'9 at least.
Is there a possibility I'm going to grow taller? I have a metal bar inserted in my torax (I got surgery one year ago), is that going to stop my growth?

Thank you.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

The height of a person is mostly dependent on ones genes and a few environmental factors. The average height of boys can be calculated by (Father's Height + Mother's Height + 13) / 2) cm. Also boys can grow in height upto 22-25 years of age, though the increase may be slower in the later years. Insertion of a metal bar would not retard growth, though primary conditions such as growth plate fracture and affect it slightly.
Hope this information helps.

Take care!