Pediatric Metabolic Bone Health

Coordinated services for pediatric metabolic bone disorders

We care for children with complex and rare bone disorders, including rickets (vitamin D deficiency), osteogenesis imperfecta and pediatric osteoporosis. Typically, children with these bone disorders need treatment from multiple specialists, so our team works closely to provide comprehensive care.

Collaborative specialty care

Depending on the diagnosis, your child's care team may include experts in:

• Endocrinology

• Genetics

• Nephrology

• Orthopedic surgery

• Pediatric musculoskeletal radiology

• Bone densitometry (bone thickness assessment)

We tailor your child's care plan, staying up to date on changes in the condition and their needs. When possible, we schedule appointments with multiple providers on the same day to reduce travel burden on families.

Treatments for metabolic bone disorders

Your care team helps you decide which treatments are right for your child. We may recommend medications such as:

• Asfotase alfa. This enzyme-replacement therapy is used to treat children with hypophosphatasia, a disorder that affects development of bones and teeth.

• Bisphosphonates. We may use this to help increase bone density and reduce fracture risk.

• Burosumab. This medication treats a condition called X-linked hypophosphatasia.

Surgeons at our pediatric limb lengthening and complex reconstruction program perform highly specialized procedures, including:

• Guided growth surgery. Surgeons perform this minimally invasive orthopedic procedure to correct limb length differences or angular issues, such as bowlegs and knock knees.

• Osteotomy. During this surgery, we realign or reshape a bone to correct issues or relieve pain.

If your child needs treatment for a sports injury, fracture or scoliosis, please contact our pediatric orthopedic program.