Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Bone densitometry in children: a critical appraisal
R R van Rijn1, I M van der Sluis, T M Link
1Department of Radiology, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. r.r.vanrijn@amc.uva.nl
Insights
Pediatric bone densitometry is gaining interest for monitoring bone mass. This review covers techniques and challenges of using adult-validated methods in growing children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Radiology
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Growing interest in pediatric bone densitometry due to new therapies for bone mass.
- Children present unique challenges for bone densitometry due to changing body shape and volume.
- Existing bone densitometry techniques were developed and validated solely for adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of bone densitometry techniques applicable to children.
- To discuss the specific challenges encountered when applying these techniques in pediatric populations.
- To inform radiologists and clinicians about the nuances of pediatric bone densitometry.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing bone densitometry techniques.
- Analysis of challenges specific to pediatric application.
- Discussion of general problems in pediatric bone densitometry.
Main Results:
- Adult-validated bone densitometry techniques require careful consideration for pediatric use.
- Children's growth and development introduce variability not accounted for in adult standards.
- Specific issues arise from applying adult-centric methodologies to pediatric subjects.
Conclusions:
- Radiologists and clinicians need to understand the limitations of current bone densitometry methods in children.
- Further research and potential adaptation of techniques are necessary for accurate pediatric bone mass assessment.
- Awareness of challenges is crucial for reliable interpretation of pediatric bone densitometry results.
Abstract:
Due to the introduction of new therapeutic regimen aimed at increasing and maintaining bone mass, bone densitometry in children has gained interest. As in all new fields of medicine we expect the interest in bone densitometry in children to increase in the coming years. Children pose a unique problem for those involved in the field of bone densitometry, because as time progresses the measured subject changes in shape and volume. It is therefore of importance that radiologists and clinicians gain insight in the available techniques. It is also important to keep in mind that all bone densitometry techniques have been exclusively designed, developed and validated for use in an adult population. In this article we give an overview of the available techniques and discuss the specific problems that can be expected when these techniques are used in children. In the discussion section general problems regarding bone densitometry in children are presented.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling