Considerations for Anthropometry Specific to People with Disproportionate Short Stature

Abstract

In the clinical care of people with disproportionate short stature, healthcare practitioners need to accurately collect anthropometric measurements over time, including height, weight, head circumference, and lengths of affected limb and body segments. Accurate anthropometric measurements are important for diagnostic evaluation, tracking growth, measuring response to pharmacologic therapies or surgeries, and monitoring for potential complications. However, for this clinical population, anthropometric measurements may need to be adjusted or modified to accommodate characteristics such as body disproportions, joint contractures, long bone deformities, spinal deformities, or muscle hypotonia. This article provides guidance for key anthropometric measurements in children and adults with disproportionate short stature, with a focus on people with achondroplasia. The measurements described in this article and illustrated in the infographics can be performed without expensive specialized equipment and are suitable for a variety of clinical settings.