Evaluation of bone mineral density and morphology using pQCT in children after spinal cord injury. (December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Biggin, Andrew; Briody, Julie N.; Ramjan, Kim A.; Middleton, Anna; Waugh, Mary-Clare A.; Munns, Craig F.
• Is Part Of: Developmental neurorehabilitation. Volume 16:Number 6(2013:Dec.)
• Page Start: 391
• Page End: 397
• Publication Date: 2013-12
• Subjects: Children with disabilities -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled children -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 615.542
• DOI: 10.3109/17518423.2012.762590
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-8423

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <italic>Objective:</italic> To evaluate the effects of spinal cord injury (SCI) on bone density and morphology in children using peripheral quantitative computer tomography (pQCT).</p> <p> <italic>Design:</italic> Retrospective cohort study of 19 paediatric patients with SCI (9 paraplegics and 10 tetraplegics).</p> <p> <italic>Results:</italic> There was significant reduction in tibial metaphysial volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), diaphysial cortical cross-sectional area (CSA), cortical thickness and polar strength–strain index. There was a significant loss of calf muscle CSA. Those who were able to stand had greater trabecular vBMD, tibial cortical thickness and tibial muscle CSA <italic>Z</italic>-scores. Lower limb fractures did not occur if tibial trabecular vBMD was greater than 100 mg/cm³. Tibial geometry following SCI was more circular compared to controls.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusions</italic>: pQCT provides a valuable insight into the regional changes in bone and muscle development in children following SCI. Residual muscle function with the ability to weight bear provides a significant benefit to bone development.</p> </abstract>