Measurement of height in the elderly

Height is an essential variable when assessing renal clearance, nutritional status, and absorption. Standard methods of estimating height are impractical in the nonambulant. One hundred sixty-five elderly inpatients were studied. Total standing height, knee-to-floor height, and tibial length were measured. Total arm, upper arm, and forearm measurements were obtained in both erect and supine positions. Measured height correlated best with supine total arm length (R2 = .69), knee-to-floor height (R2 = .63), and erect forearm length (R2 = .61). A nomogram relating both supine total arm length and knee-to-floor height with the patient's measured height has been prepared.