Childhood bone health: Understanding rickets, osteogenesis imperfecta, and clubfoot
During childhood and adolescence, rapid bone growth and remodelling make bone health crucial. Adequate nutrition, vitamin D and calcium, sunlight exposure, physical activity, and timely detection of disorders like rickets, osteocalcin, OI, DDH, Blount disease, Perthes disease, and clubfoot ensure strong bones, proper growth, and prevention of long-term deformities.
Childhood bone growth importance Bone health is important in the paediatric age group, as it is during the childhood and adolescent phase that skeletal growth is rapid, and there is remodelling of the bone tissue. Well-developed bones promote growth, enhance mobility and protect the soft tissues like the internal organs. (Image: Canva)
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Nutritional rickets in children Nutritional rickets is a condition that is seen in children when they have a deficiency of vitamin D. This causes a defect in the growth plate of the bones, and the affected children often present with bowing of legs and widening of the wrists. Nutritional sunlight is often advised, along with vitamin D supplements. (Image: Canva)
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Osteocalcin in adolescents Long-term deficiency of Vitamin D in adolescents can lead to osteocalcin. Unlike rickets, it does not affect the growth plates, as they close by ages fourteen to seventeen, depending upon the age and gender of the person. Symptoms implied diffuse bone pain and a waddling gait. Muscle weakness may also be observed. (Image: Canva)
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Osteogenesis imperfecta overview Osteogenesis imperfecta refers to a genetic disorder involving collagen tissue. It causes the bones to become fragile, which subsequently leads to recurrent fractures and a blue coloured sclera (covering of the eye). Fracture management and the use of bisphosphonates are often recommended. (Image: Canva)
Vitamin C deficiency effects Another vitamin that can cause a problem with paediatric bone health is vitamin C. It affects the synthesis of collagen and increases the chances of limb pain, swelling, bleeding from the gums and irritability. It is seen in those with malnourished diets. Vitamin C supplementation and nutritional counselling can help. (Image: Canva)
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Blount disease and bowing A growth disorder of the upper and inner part of the tibia (the shin bone), which leads to progressive genu varum (also called bow legs), is known as Blount disease. It is often related to obesity and signs of early walking in infants or toddlers. If the deformity becomes prominent, surgery may become necessary. (Image: Canva)
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Developmental dysplasia of the hip Developmental dysplasia of the hip, when left untreated, can cause changes in the acetabulum (the cup-shaped socket in the hip bone where the head of the femur articulates). The affected children often present with a limp and restriction of movement in the limb. (Image: Canva)
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Perthes disease in childhood Perthes disease, also called Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, is the necrosis (tissue death) of the head of the thigh bone, the femur, in children usually aged between four to eight years. The child may complain of hip pain, and braces, along with physiotherapy, can help. (Image: Canva)
Clubfoot and Ponseti method Clubfoot is also known as congenital talipes equinovarus, and it is a congenital (present at birth) deformity that may either be idiopathic or related to neuromuscular disorders. The Ponseti method of treatment is the gold standard choice, but some children may need surgery as well. Early diagnosis and treatment show the best results. (Image: Canva)
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Promoting healthy bone habits It is imperative to promote bone health in children, and this may be achieved by providing adequate nutrition and encouraging physical activity. Good exposure to sunlight and early detection of genetic problems can prevent complications. A balanced diet and growth monitoring also help. (Image: Canva)
Rajeshwaari Kalla is a freelance health and wellness writer
