Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)
Also known as brittle bone disease, OI is a rare genetic disorder that occurs when the body is unable to make one type of collagen. This causes bones to break more easily, sometimes without any obvious cause. Often, small fractures will occur during birth or throughout your child’s first year of life. They may also have changes in their eyes and teeth.
Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis
Steroid-induced osteoporosis is the most common form of osteoporosis in children and occurs after long-term use of high-dose steroids to treat chronic conditions like muscular dystrophy or asthma. High doses of steroids can cause bone thinning, which increases the risk of fractures. Usually, the spine is most affected by steroid-induced osteoporosis.
Juvenile Idiopathic Osteoporosis
Juvenile osteoporosis can have many different causes, including a genetic condition or long-term use of certain medications. When the cause of juvenile osteoporosis is unknown, it is called juvenile idiopathic osteoporosis (JIO). This is very rare and typically occurs right before puberty. Signs of JIO include bone fractures that cause your child to limp or to experience pain in the feet, lower back, or hips.
Rickets
Rickets describes softened bones that lack certain minerals. It results from decreased levels of calcium and/or phosphorus. The most common cause of rickets in children is a prolonged deficiency in vitamin D. In rare cases, rickets can be caused by a genetic disorder that causes low phosphorus. The first signs of rickets are usually bowing of the legs. It is more common in infants who are breastfed and those with darker skin.
Cancer-Related Bone Damage
Sometimes cancer treatments or the spread of cancer can impact bone health.