Bone Health Program
DXA Center
We evaluate bone density in our DXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) Center, the gold standard in bone density measurement. It is a safe and painless scan performed in a private, child-friendly room. Two x-ray beams, each with different levels of energy, are directed at your child’s bones. The amount of energy absorbed by the bones tells us the bone density.
Specialties
At the Bone Health Program at Children’s Hospital Boston, we provide comprehensive evaluations and treatment to children and adolescents who have, or are at risk for, low bone density. We have been treating patients since 2000.
Low bone density may be associated with several medical conditions, including:
- anorexia nervosa
- cystic fibrosis
- inflammatory bowl
- treatment with long-term immune suppressants (for transplantation)
- parenteral nutrition.
Regardless of any accompanying condition your child may have, we’re here to help.
Bone density research
We’re committed to helping parents protect their children from low bone density. Children’s researchers are currently investigating:
- the link between nutrition, particularly vitamin D, and bone health
- lifestyle variables that affect the development of peak bone mass
- strategies to prevent bone loss in young women suffering from eating disorders
- risk factors associated with stress fractures in female athletes
We understand that children and adolescents with low bone density have a wide variety of needs, and we strive to provide patient-focused, empathetic and compassionate care.
#1 ranked pediatric hospital in the nation. Learn more
The scoop on Vitamin D
Catherine Gordon, MD, MSc, talks about the value of Vitamin D.
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