Height Prediction Using the Knee Height Measurement Among Indonesian Children

Height is essential for assessing growth and nutrition in children. Assessing height with appropriate measurement is important, although in certain physically disabled and hospitalized children direct height measurement is almost not possible. In these situations, segmental measurements can be used as proxy height. Knee height (KH) has been determined as the most reliable surrogate.

This study aimed to establish a height-predicted equation using KH for use in both community and clinical practices.

This was a cross-sectional study design that collected data from 1114 healthy children (596 boys and 518 girls) aged 7 to 12 years to develop the equations for predicting height from KH. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to develop the equations.

Two equations were established to predict height using KH: (1) for boys H = 29.895 + (0.081 × age [months] + (2.267 × KH)) and (2) for girls H = 26.297 + (0.110 × age [months] + (2.278 × KH)). The very high correlation between KH and actual height indicates a very strong agreement.

Knee height can be used for prediction equations for height with a very good predictive power. The age variable using the month unit generates a more accurate equation.