Bone health in cerebral palsy: Who's at risk and what to do about it?

Issue title: Bone Health in Children with Special Health Care Needs

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Houlihan, Christine Murray

Affiliations: Eastern Virginia Medical School, 601 Children's Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA. Tel: +1 757 668 7473; Fax: + 757 668 7474; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: CP is the most prevalent childhood condition associated with low bone mass. Bone density is decreased in children with CP who sustain fragility fractures that impair function and quality of life. Predicting accurately who is at risk for fracture, preventing or reversing low bone mass and maximizing bone accrual during critical stages of growth are essential to minimizing future lifelong risks of fractures. This review article addresses the diagnosis of low bone mass, the anatomy of bone, risk factors for low bone density and for the prevention and treatment for low bone mass for children with CP.

Keywords: Osteoporosis, bone density, bone health, cerebral palsy, disabilities

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-140283

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 143-153, 2014