Bone health in cerebral palsy: who's at risk and what to do about it?

CP is the most prevalent childhood condition associated with low bone mass. Bone density is decreased in children with CP who sustain fragility fractures that impair function and quality of life. Predicting accurately who is at risk for fracture, preventing or reversing low bone mass and maximizing bone accrual during critical stages of growth are essential to minimizing future lifelong risks of fractures. This review article addresses the diagnosis of low bone mass, the anatomy of bone, risk factors for low bone density and for the prevention and treatment for low bone mass for children with CP.