What is the best next step for a 7-year-old girl with short stature and a normal growth velocity?

In a case of short stature with a normal growth velocity, it is critical to consider the potential causes of the child's short stature. A bone age assessment serves as a valuable diagnostic tool in this scenario. This test compares the child's skeletal development with standard growth charts to determine if their bones are maturing at a typical rate for their chronological age.

Since the growth velocity is normal, this clinical finding often points towards a situation where the child might be constitutionally small or potentially experiencing delayed growth due to factors that are not pathological. However, determining bone age allows for differentiation between normal variants and conditions like growth hormone deficiency or other endocrine disorders that may necessitate further intervention.

If bone age is consistent with chronological age, then reassurance can often be provided, as the child may just be a "late bloomer." Conversely, if the bone age is delayed, this could indicate an underlying issue that needs further evaluation. Therefore, performing a bone age assessment is the most suitable next step in evaluating this child's growth situation before considering other testing or interventions.