Recurrent Fractures in Children
Natalie Marie Hecht Baldauff, DO
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Fractures are common in children; therefore, it can be clinically challenging to differentiate between those who have underlying primary and secondary osteoporosis and those who do not. Differentiating normal childhood fractures from primary and secondary forms of osteoporosis in children is essential to prevent consequences of untreated bone fragility including long term deformities and decreased quality of life. The assessment of a young child with multiple fractures should aim to exclude non-accidental trauma and disorders of bone mineral metabolism and facilitate (when appropriate) the diagnosis of the underlying genetic etiology in order to facilitate timely intervention.