[Screening for a growth disorder using the Dr. Keller precision measuring instrument and system].

The regulation of growth is as complex process involving the interaction of a number of genetic, hormonal, psychosomal, and environmental factors. Abnormal growth is an alarming sign for the worsening of health. Therefore is it necessary to provide exact and quick information about the growth of the child. With the body length device "System Dr. Keller" is it possible to collect 1. exact data about the actual height of a child, 2. information about the normal range of height for the chronological age of a child, 3. information about abnormal height (< 3., > 97. percentile) of a child. These informations are visible exclusively by application of the "System Dr. Keller". With use of this unique system and the data of corresponding national growth studies it will be possible to screen the whole population by paediatricians, general practitioners, school doctors, health care centers, outpatient departments and hospitals. While normal growth usually represents health, growth disorders should stimulate doctors to exclude possibly underlying pathological processes.