University of Virginia Health System

Estimation of Height from Segmental Measures

Accurate assessment of height in children with disability is often by hampered by tonal abnormalities, contractures, scoliosis, lack of recumbent measuring table and/or the child's ability to cooperate. Equations have been derived for calculating height from easily obtained segmental body measures including tibia length, knee height, and upper arm length. The calculated height can then be plotted on a standard growth chart readily available in most pediatric clinics.