Bone Mineral Density in Children with Idiopathic Musculoskeletal Pain

Abstract

Objective: Determination of Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in children with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain (IMSP) and associated risk factors Methods: This cross sectional hospital based study investigated bone mineral density in 45 children with IMSP between 5-16 years of age and equal number of healthy matched controls. Characteristics of IMSP, associated disabilities, and dietary pattern were recorded. Serum calcium, Phosphrous, Alkaline Phosphatase and Vitamin D levels were measured. Bone Mineral Density was measured with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Eighty seven percent of the subjects with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain had pain lasting for more than 3 months. Most common location of pain was the lower limbs (93.3%). Pain during exercise was the most common disability (36%).The mean (±SD) levels of BMD of whole body (WB), Total body less head ( TBLH) and distal radius (DR) in cases was significantly lower compared to controls (p=0.041,p=0.002 and p