5) Ossification of the epiphyses. The proximal end begins near birth and continues until 18 or 19 yrs. of age. The distal end begins 1 to 1.5 years old and continues until the early 20's, although all substantial growth has ended in the late teens. The only remaining cartilage is in the epiphyseal plate and the articular cartilage. Bone growth stops when the epiphyseal plate hardens.