Acta Biomedica Scientia

MAGING TECHNIQUES FOR BONE MASS EVALUATION IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF CURRENT METHODS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Sunil Rahul CH1, Rama Nadiu P

drpebyreddy@gmail.com

Bone mass evaluation, Pediatric bone health, Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), Quantitative computed tomography (QCT), Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT)

The assessment of bone health in children and adolescents is essential for early detection of low bone mass and the prevention of future skeletal disorders. This review explores various imaging methods used to evaluate bone mass in pediatric populations, emphasizing the advantages, limitations, and potential clinical applications of each technique. Dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) remains the gold standard for bone mineral density (BMD) assessment across all age groups due to its reliability and extensive research support. However, DXA has limitations in pediatric populations, particularly in accounting for growth-related changes in bone size and structure, and the lack of robust pediatric reference curves. Other imaging modalities, such as quantitative computed tomography (QCT), peripheral QCT (pQCT), highresolution pQCT (HR-pQCT), bone quantitative ultrasound (QUS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and automated radiogrammetry, offer additional insights into bone strength, structure, and quality. However, these methods are still under evaluation for routine clinical use in children and adolescents, and each presents unique challenges, including accessibility, standardization, and the need for more comprehensive reference data. The review underscores the importance of integrating local reference curves and considering skeletal growth when interpreting bone mass results in pediatric patients. While DXA remains the primary tool for diagnosing low bone mass, particularly in children at risk of primary or secondary bone diseases, further research is needed to optimize and validate the use of alternative imaging methods in clinical practice