A child’s height falls below the 3rd percentile, with normal growth rate. However, the child’s chronological age exceeds their bone age. What is the most probable diagnosis?

Explanation

The child’s height is significantly low, but the growth velocity remains normal and bone age is delayed compared to chronological age. This pattern is typical of constitutional growth delay, where growth is temporarily slowed but eventually catches up. In contrast, genetic short stature usually shows normal bone age, primordial dwarfism involves more severe growth impairment, and hypopituitarism typically presents with reduced growth velocity.