Bone Health

Pediatric bone screening tool now available

Health-care providers throughout the Winnipeg Health Region now have access to new resources to help identify pediatric patients at risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures.

Developed by the Interdisciplinary Bone Health Project team at the Winnipeg Children’s Hospital, the new resources include a screening tool as well as an algorithm and guidelines for assessment, prevention and treatment. A comprehensive family and caregiver guide for children at risk is also available.

While osteoporosis is commonly associated with older patients, it can be an issue for younger patients as well, according to the IBHP team.

Certain medications, nutrient deficiencies or mobility issues can lead to low bone mass, which is a main characteristic of osteoporosis. This leads to increased bone fragility and risk of fracture. The new resources will allow health-care providers to identify children at risk for developing osteoporosis and fragility fractures, and prevent potential injury.

The resources are available to any health-care provider, and include protocols for safe handling and clinical management of at-risk children.

The screening tool and other resources are available below. For further information please contact: Kathy Miller, Manager of Patient Care, CH5, Winnipeg Children’s Hospital, 204-787-4029

Resources

Pediatric Bone Health Osteoporosis Screening Tool

Bone Health Algorithm

Pediatric Osteoporosis Tip Sheet

Osteoporosis in Children: A Family Caregiver’s Guide