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Pediatric Patient Information
This Web site is not providing medical advice. The sole purpose of this section is to provide a general overview of bone densitometry for patients and individuals who wish to improve their understanding of this technology: what it is, how it’s done and what the results mean. You should discuss your individual needs with your doctor or other healthcare provider. All medical decisions should be made by your doctor in consultation with you and any other relevant parties.
Can children have osteoporosis?
How do I know if my child has osteoporosis?
What is a bone densitometry test?
Should my child have a bone density test?
What should my child expect at the time of a bone density test?
When should a bone density test be repeated?
Where should I take my child for a bone density test?
What are some resources for related information?
Return to Pediatric Index page
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What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition of bone fragility that may be caused by low bone density or other bone abnormalities that affect bone strength.
Note: Links to other sites that cover osteoporosis in more detail are available on the Patient Resources page. A more detailed description of Osteoporosis can be found on the main Patient Information page.
Can children have osteoporosis?
Yes, children can have osteoporosis. It may be related to chronic medical conditions or medication use. Some diseases have a direct effect on bone –these are called primary bone disorders. Other diseases have indirect effects on bone related to inflammation, malabsorption, immobility, hormonal disturbances, or severe anemia. Some medications such as steroid medications or chemotherapy agents can also affect bone.
How do I know if my child has osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is defined as a low bone density test result and a clinically significant fracture. Clinically significant fractures include a fracture in one of the leg bones, a fracture in the spine, or two or more fractures in the arm. (View to the 2007 ISCD Pediatric Official Positions.) Your child's doctor will consider all of the relevant factors when deciding if your child has osteoporosis.
What is a bone densitometry test?
A bone density test is a non-surgical, painless examination that uses low dose x-rays to measure the density of bones. There are different kinds of bone density tests. The one that is recommended for children is called dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, or DXA. DXA tests may take pictures of the entire body or parts of the body such as the spine or hip.
The same equipment is used to measure bone density in children and adults. For children, DXA measurements of the whole body are recommended in addition to the spine. For some children, other tests might be done such as DXA measurements of the arm or leg.
What are the risks involved?
DXA tests involve a very low amount of radiation exposure – less than the amount of radiation to which you are exposed during an airplane flight. So, the risks are considered extremely low.
Should my child have a bone density test?
Most healthy children do not need a bone density test. There are certain medical conditions where a bone density test is recommended. You should discuss with your doctor whether your child needs a bone density test.
What should my child expect at the time of a bone density test?
Your child will need to change into clothes that do not have any metal snaps, zippers or buttons. The child's height and weight may be measured. They will be asked to lie down on the DXA table, and the technologist will help position them. Each individual DXA scan takes approximately 1-3 minutes. Your child will need to lie still during the test. Nothing will touch your child during the test and they will not feel anything painful; however, they will feel the table move during each scan. Some facilities allow parents to accompany the child during the procedure.
When should a bone density test be repeated?
For some medical conditions or treatments, a bone density test may be repeated periodically in order to monitor progress. Your doctor will tell you when a bone density test should be repeated.
Where should I take my child for a bone density test?
This depends on where you live. For some individuals there may be many options, while for others there may be few or none. Today bone density testing is much more widely available in many countries and performed in many settings including hospitals, other healthcare imaging facilities, doctors’ offices, screening health fairs, pharmacies and sometimes as part of a mobile health unit. It is estimated that there are about 18,000 DXA machines in the United States. Some estimates show the number of DXA machines outside the United States to be about 18,000. Although travel, cost and convenience are important things to consider when making this decision, there are also technical issues to take into account so you get the best available value for your money.
It is important that the operator of DXA machine is well trained in its proper use and that the person interpreting the results is knowledgeable in the field of bone densitometry. It is best if they are trained in its use in children. Obtaining and interpreting a pediatric DXA scan requires special expertise. In March 2009, the ISCD introduced the Pediatric Bone Densitometry Course for clinicians and technologists.
One indicator that the technologist and clinician have received appropriate training in bone densitometry is to ask if they are ISCD Certified. You can also search the online ISCD Certification Registry to find a certified technologist (CDT or CBDT) or certified clinician (CCD) in your area. The ISCD Certification Registry lists participating certified individuals - Certified Clinical Densitometrist® (CCD), Certified Densitometry Technologist® (CDT) and Certified Bone Densitometry Technologist™ (CBDT). Individuals may choose not to be displayed in this listing. Evaluation of the credentials, qualifications and competence of a physician or technologist is the responsibility of the person referencing the registry.
What are some resources for related information?
Check out the following Web sites, some of which are geared to kids:
Kids and Their Bones: A Guide for Parents
DHHS. NIH. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Provides answers to commonly asked questions about children's bone growth and development. Also includes information on helping children eat more calcium rich foods.
Powerful Bones. Powerful Girls ™
DHHS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Site for young girls featuring games, quizzes, e-postcards, and ideas for increasing calcium consumption. Part of the National Bone Health Campaign to promote optimal bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Milk Matters
DHHS. NIH. National Institute of Child Health & Human Development.
A public health education campaign to promote calcium consumption among tweens and teens, especially during the ages of 11 to 15, a time of critical bone growth.
Links to additional patient resources on osteoporosis
Author Information
Dr. Babette Zemel
ISCD Pediatric Scientific Advisory Council Co-Chair
Dr. Catherine M. Gordon
ISCD Pediatric Scientific Advisory Council Co-Chair
Return to the Pediatric Patient Information Index Page
Go to the main Patient Information Index page
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Page Last Updated: 01/23/2009
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