Recommendations for High-resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography Assessment of Bone Density, Microarchitecture, and Strength in Pediatric Populations.

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to summarize current approaches and provide recommendations for imaging bone in pediatric populations using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). Imaging the growing skeleton is challenging and HR-pQCT protocols are not standardized across centers. Adopting a single-imaging protocol for all studies is unrealistic; thus, we present three established protocols for HR-pQCT imaging in children and adolescents and share advantages and disadvantages of each. Limiting protocol variation will enhance the uniformity of results and increase our ability to compare study results between different research groups. We outline special cases along with tips and tricks for acquiring and processing scans to minimize motion artifacts and account for growing bone. The recommendations in this review are intended to help researchers perform HR-pQCT imaging in pediatric populations and extend our collective knowledge of bone structure, architecture, and strength during the growing years.