Knemometry

Knemometrie (Greek: η κνημη the lower leg) refers to a technique for measuring the distance between knee and heel of a seated child or young person. Knemometrische measurements have a measurement error of less than 160 microns ( 0.16 mm) and show growth within a few weeks (short-term growth).

The meter

Ignaz Maria Valk developed this technique in 1983 in Nijmegen / Netherlands. Since it is used for basic research and in the treatment of growth disorders. Hermanussen introduced the Mini - Knemometrie for precision measurements in premature and newborn infants. The mini- Knemometrie determines the length of the lower leg with an accuracy of less than 100 microns ( 0.1 mm). This growth could be detected within 24 hours. In the animal model, the technique was used to examine the effects of steroids and growth hormone on short-term growth. These studies were important prerequisites for improvement of growth treatments.

The measurement of short-term growth

The auxologische term short-term growth describes characteristics of growth when measurements are made ​​at intervals of significantly less than one year ( eg monthly, wöchtlichen or even daily ). Notably, the Knemometrie for this purpose was used. Short-term growth can also describe with very frequent measurements and conventional length measurements.

Short-term growth consists of small growth spurts ( miniature growth spurts ). In newborns, these relapses occur in intervals of 2 to 10 days, reaching maximum speeds of 0.2 mm per hour on the lower leg. Growth hormone treatments may affect the sequence of these thrusts (faster) and the appearance ( wider). Catch-up growth after stoppages due to disease, hunger and other unfavorable conditions is characterized by a series of miniature widened growth spurts.