how to measure height without measuring tape

In addition to osteoporotic fracture, other causes of back pain (e.g., vascular, infectious, and malignant) must be considered and sought at the time of the physical examination. Potential physical findings indicative of secondary osteoporosis include striae (Cushing's syndrome), adenopathy (malignancy), blue sclerae (osteogenesis imperfecta), and organomegaly (malignancy and hepatic disease). Subsequently, the physical examination entails a search for secondary causes of bone loss and evaluation of falls risk.

Hansen M.D., Neil Binkley M.D., in Practice of Geriatrics (Fourth Edition), 2007 Physical examinationĪccurate height measurement using a wall-mounted stadiometer as a potential indicator of unappreciated vertebral fracture is considered a “vital sign” in osteoporosis assessment. estrogen and raloxifene) that are associated with increased risk of thromboembolic events. A rapid respiratory rate may be due to acute or chronic lung disease, including pulmonary emboli, a consequence of some osteoporosis medications (e.g. A rapid heart rate or elevated blood pressure may be due to thyrotoxicosis, a risk factor for osteoporosis, and a low heart rate or low blood pressure may increase the risk of falls due to orthostatic hypotension. 20 kg/m 2 or less) are risk factors for low BMD and for fractures, with the risk largely dependent on BMD. less than 127 lbs.) and low body mass index (BMI, / 2, e.g.

Height and weight, as well as sex and ethnicity, are both components of the input for DXA and FRAX. Substantial loss of height suggests the possibility of prevalent vertebral fractures and the need for further evaluation with spine imaging ( Table 63.3). The hinged height measurement device on a typical office scale is usually not sufficiently accurate to be clinically useful in detecting changes in height. Measure height with a calibrated wall-mounted stadiometer or metal ruler compare with historical maximum height to calculate historical height loss (HHL) and compare with previous stadiometer-measured height, if available, to calculate prospective height loss (PHL). Michael Lewiecki, in Osteoporosis (Fourth Edition), 2013 Vital Signs

How to measure height without measuring tape