Human height declines after early adulthood. Trotter and Gleser used a formula to adjust for this decline based on the patient's age.
Sources of height estimates:
(1) historical records of early adult height
(2) estimates of height based on measurement of long bones or arm span
decline in height with age in cm =
= (0.06 * ((age in years) - 30)
age-adjusted height =
= (predicted height) - (decline in height)
If the previous height was taken after the age of 30, then
decline in height in cm since previous measurement =
= (0.06 * ((current age in years) - (age at previous height measurement)))
Performance:
• Scoliosis, kyphosis, fracture, osteoporosis, contractures, and other diseases may cause a greater than expected decline in height.
