Identification, prevention, and treatment of children with decreased bone mineral density.

Osteoporosis in children is the presence of decreased bone mineral density in association with a significant fracture history. The amount of bone accretion in childhood and early adulthood is predictive of the risk of osteoporosis and fracture in later adulthood. A myriad of disorders and medications are associated with decreased bone mineral density in childhood. In addition, lifestyle factors including poor dietary habits and minimal physical activity are associated with low bone mass. Because of the limited attention given to childhood osteoporosis, this review was undertaken to examine the diagnostic criteria, etiologies, prevention of and treatment strategies for osteoporosis in children and adolescents.