The Kids’ Center for Bone Health provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care to children of all ages who suffer from metabolic bone diseases, including primary and secondary causes of bone loss, such as:

  • Effects of chronic illness
  • Effects of medical therapies
  • History of multiple fractures
  • Malnutrition
  • Hypophosphatemic rickets
  • Calcium and vitamin D disorders
  • Osteogenesis imperfecta

The evaluation and diagnosis of bone diseases or conditions require advanced clinical training in normal bone physiology and how it can be altered by disease. Because children and their bones are still growing, bone diseases affect them very differently than adults with the same condition.

Children may be evaluated with bone density testing (DXA) with our state-of-the-art bone scanner. The scanner can also measure body composition, which can be beneficial to children with special nutritional needs. The bone scan is a short, painless test that uses a minimal dose of radiation.
 

Referrals

Children with suspected bone health problems may be referred to the center for evaluation by Connecticut Children’s pediatric endocrinologists. Our multidisciplinary team oversees patient care and will communicate directly with referring pediatricians offering a summary of our tests and recommendations. All pediatric patients receive counseling for appropriate calcium and vitamin D intake, and referrals to Connecticut Children’s nutrition specialists are based on a child’s needs.

To refer a child for a medical evaluation, please call 860.545.9370.

To refer a child for bone density testing (DXA), please call 860.545.9120.