Use Of Conventional Radiography Research Articles

Current Role of Conventional Radiography of Sacroiliac Joints in Adults and Juveniles with Suspected Axial Spondyloarthritis: Opinion from the ESSR Arthritis and Pediatric Subcommittees.

This opinion article by the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology Arthritis and Pediatric Subcommittees discusses the current use of conventional radiography (CR) of the sacroiliac joints in adults and juveniles with suspected axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The strengths and limitations of CR compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are presented.Based on the current literature and expert opinions, the subcommittees recognize the superior sensitivity of MRI to detect early sacroiliitis. In adults, supplementary pelvic radiography, low-dose CT, or synthetic CT may be needed to evaluate differential diagnoses. CR remains the method of choice to detect structural changes in patients with suspected late-stage axSpA or established disease and in patients with suspected concomitant hip or pubic symphysis involvement. In children, MRI is the imaging modality of choice because it can detect active as well as structural changes and is radiation free.

Radiographic findings in acromegaly: pictorial essay.

Acromegaly is an uncommon metabolic disorder, often diagnosed after a long delay. One symptom seen in many patients with acromegaly is arthralgia, a finding that calls for the use of conventional radiography, which can reveal subtle changes that can go unnoticed. The objective of this pictorial essay is to portray the radiographic aspects of acromegaly, seeking to demonstrate the importance of conventional radiography, which, despite its simplicity, can suggest the diagnosis, even in the early stages, thus altering the clinical course of the disease.

Sudden Cardiac Death and Ex-Situ Post-Mortem Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Morphological Study Based on Diagnostic Correlation Methodology.

During the last years, post-mortem imaging has gradually been assumed within research in the field of forensic pathology. This role appears to be clearly and simply applied in the trauma field with the use of conventional radiography or Post Mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT). Recently, particular attention was paid to cardiovascular imaging using Post Mortem Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PMMRI). The present experimental study aims to: (i) confirm the efficacy of a Post Mortem Cardiac Resonance Imaging (PMCRI) study protocol for the study of human hearts collected during the autopsy; (ii) apply the defined protocol on subjects who died of “SCD (sudden cardiac death)”, to identify alterations that could guide subsequent sampling. Two hearts of healthy subjects (A: male 22 years; B: female 26 years), who died from causes other than SCD were collected and compared to hearts that belonged to SCD individuals (C: male, 47 years old; D: female, 44 years old; E: male; 72 years old). The exams were performed on a 1.5 T scanner (Philips Intera Achieva, Best, the Netherlands) on hearts collected during autopsy and after a 30-day formalin fixation. Two readers analyzed the obtained images blindly and after randomization. From the comparison between the data from imaging and the macroscopic and histological investigations carried out, the present study proved the effectiveness of a PMMRI protocol to study ex-situ hearts. Moreover, it suggested the following semeiology in post-mortem SCD cases: the hyperintense area with indistinct margins in the Short Tau Inversion Recovery (STIR) sequence was linked to edema or area of pathological fibers, whereas the hypointense area in the T2-FFE sequences was linked to fibrosis. PMMRI can provide a valuable benefit to post-mortem investigations, helping to distinctly improve the success rate of histological sampling and investigations, which remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of sudden death.

Trends in public sector radiological usage in the Western Cape Province, South Africa: 2009-2019.

BackgroundAlthough global use of medical imaging has increased significantly, little is known about utilisation trends in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).ObjectivesTo evaluate changes over a decade in public sector diagnostic imaging utilisation at provincial level in a middle-income country.MethodA retrospective analysis of medical imaging utilisation in the Western Cape Province of South Africa in 2009 and 2019. Use of conventional radiography, ultrasonography (US), fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and whole-body digital radiography was assessed by total studies and studies/103 people, for the whole province, the rural and metropolitan areas. Mammography utilisation was calculated for every 103 females aged 40–70 years.ResultsThe provincial population and total imaging investigations increased by 25% and 32%, respectively, whilst studies/103 people increased by 5.5% (256 vs 270/103), with marked variation by modality. Provincial US, CT and MRI utilisation/103 people increased by 111% (20 vs 43/103), 78% (10 vs 18/103) and 32% (1.9 vs 2.5/103) respectively, whilst use of fluoroscopy (3.6 vs 3.7/103) and mammography (14.2 vs 15.9/103 women aged 40–70 years) was steady and plain radiography decreased by 20% (216 vs 196/103). For CT, mammography and fluoroscopy, percentage utilisation increases/103 people were higher in the rural than metropolitan areas.ConclusionPopulation growth is the main driver of overall imaging utilisation in our setting. The relatively constant imaging workload per 1000 people, albeit with increasing ultrasound, CT and MR utilisation, and decreasing use of plain radiography, reflects improved provincial imaging infrastructure, and appropriate use of available resources.

Radiographic scoring methods in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Structural changes of bone and cartilage are the hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Radiography can help in making diagnosis and in differentiating PsA and RA from other articular diseases. Radiography is still considered the preferred imaging method to assess disease progression, reflecting cumulative damage over time. The presence of bone erosions in RA is as an indicator of irreversible articular damage. Radiographic features of PsA are characteristic and differ from those observed in RA, especially in the distribution of affected joints and in the presence of destructive changes and bone proliferation at the same time. Semiquantitative scoring methods are designed to measure the degree of radiographically detectable joint damage and of changes over time. Several radiographic scoring methods that had been developed originally for RA have been adopted for the use in PsA. This review discusses the use of conventional radiography for diagnosing and detecting early structural changes in RA and PsA and providing a historical overview of commonly used scoring methods.

Reduction of Radiography with Point-of-Care Elbow Ultrasonography for Elbow Trauma in Children

To determine whether point-of-care elbow ultrasound (US), with history and physical examination, can decrease radiography for patients with elbow trauma. Secondary outcomes included evaluation of pediatric emergency department (PED) length of stay (LOS) and test performance characteristics. This was a prospective study of patients up to age 21 years with elbow trauma necessitating radiography. After clinical examination and before radiography, pediatric emergency physicians performed elbow ultrasonography of the posterior fat pad and determined whether radiography was required. All patients underwent elbow radiography and received clinical follow-up. Times for US and radiography were recorded. A total of 100 patients with a mean age of 7.9 years were enrolled, 42 of whom had a fracture. In 23 patients, the physician determined that radiography could be eliminated. Elbow US combined with clinical suspicion for fracture had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 92%-100%). Elbow US took a median of 3 minutes (IQR, 2-5 minutes), and completion and interpretation of elbow radiography took a median of 60 minutes (IQR, 43-84 minutes). The overall sensitivity of elbow US was 88% (95% CI, 75%-96%). Elbow US has a high sensitivity to rule out fracture and is best used in patients with a low clinical suspicion of fracture. The use of conventional radiography and PED LOS may be reduced in patients with a low clinical concern for fracture and normal elbow US.

Monostotic fibrous dysplasia: a case report with cone-beam computed tomography findings

ABSTRACT Fibrous dysplasia is a benign fibrous-osseous lesion in which normal bone is replaced by fibrous connective tissue and immature bone, affecting only one (monostotic) or several bones (polyostotic) and mainly occurring in children and young adults. When present in facial bones, the maxilla is more frequently involved than the mandible, which can cause facial asymmetry in addition to dental complications. In the image exams, the main characteristic of fibrous dysplasia is its unpolished glass appearance. Computed tomography is the ideal method for evaluating this lesion and its relationship with adjacent structures. The use of conventional radiography, due to the overlapping of anatomical structures, makes it difficult to delineate the extension of the lesion. The present study is aimed at guiding dentist-surgeons on the main imaging characteristics of fibrous dysplasia by describing a case of a female 10-year-old patient presenting with this lesion in the maxilla.

<b>Solitary bone cyst: an analysis of 12 cases

To present further information about SBCs based on a retrospective study of 12 cases, by describing their clinical and radiographic characteristics, and comparing them with recent findings. The study examined SBCs from the Projeto Lesoes Bucais ‘treatment and epidemiology of diseases of the oral cavity’, run at State University of Maringa, Parana State, Brazil, between 1995 and 2014. Twelve cases were found among the records of 2.424 patients who had been submitted to different types of biopsy. All cases occurred in the mandible, predominantly in patients in the second decade of life, in the region posterior to canines, and among women. All lesions were solitary, 75% of them unilocular. Helicoidal CT showed expansion and rupture of the cortical bone in one case. Differential diagnosis was confirmed by means of histopathological examination. Treatment consisted of surgical exploration in all cases. Most SBCs are usually asymptomatic and diagnosed by chance on routine X-ray examination. However, SBC can cause bone expansion or bone rupture, only visible with more sophisticated imaging systems. This study showed that the diagnosis of SBC benefits with the use of conventional radiography and CT, associated with careful clinical examinations.

Radiographic scoring methods in hand osteoarthritis – a systematic literature search and descriptive review

This systematic literature review aimed to evaluate the use of conventional radiography (CR) in hand osteoarthritis (OA) and to assess the metric properties of the different radiographic scoring methods. Medical literature databases up to November 2013 were systematically reviewed for studies reporting on radiographic scoring of structural damage in hand OA. The use and metric properties of the scoring methods, including discrimination (reliability, sensitivity to change), feasibility and validity, were evaluated. Of the 48 included studies, 10 provided data on reliability, 11 on sensitivity to change, four on feasibility and 36 on validity of radiographic scoring methods. Thirteen different scoring methods have been used in studies evaluating radiographic hand OA. The number of examined joints differed extensively and the obtained scores were analyzed in various ways. The reliability of the assessed radiographic scoring methods was good for all evaluated scoring methods, for both cross-sectional and longitudinal radiographic scoring. The responsiveness to change was similar for all evaluated scoring methods. There were no major differences in feasibility between the evaluated scoring methods, although the evidence was limited. There was limited knowledge about the validity of radiographic OA findings compared with clinical nodules and deformities, whereas there was better evidence for an association between radiographic findings and symptoms and hand function. Several radiographic scoring methods are used in hand OA literature. To enhance comparability across studies in hand OA, consensus has to be reached on a preferred scoring method, the examined joints and the used presentation of data.

Accuracy and precision of computer-assisted analysis of bone density via conventional and digital radiography in relation to dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry

To evaluate the precision and accuracy of assessing bone mineral density (BMD) by use of mean gray value (MGV) on digitalized and digital images of conventional and digital radiographs, respectively, of ex vivo bovine and equine bone specimens in relation to the gold-standard technique of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Left and right metatarsal bones from 11 beef cattle and right femurs from 2 horses. Bovine specimens were imaged by use of conventional radiography, whereas equine specimens were imaged by use of computed radiography (digital radiography). Each specimen was subsequently scanned by use of the same DEXA equipment. The BMD values resulting from each DEXA scan were paired with the MGVs obtained by use of software on the corresponding digitalized or digital radiographic image. The MGV analysis of digitalized and digital x-ray images was a precise (coefficient of variation, 0.1 and 0.09, respectively) and highly accurate method for assessing BMD, compared with DEXA (correlation coefficient, 0.910 and 0.937 for conventional and digital radiography, respectively). The high correlation between MGV and BMD indicated that MGV analysis may be a reliable alternative to DEXA in assessing radiographic bone density. This may provide a new, inexpensive, and readily available estimate of BMD.

Effects on mortality, treatment, and time management as a result of routine use of total body computed tomography in blunt high-energy trauma patients

Currently, total body computed tomography (TBCT) is rapidly implemented in the evaluation of trauma patients. With this review, we aim to evaluate the clinical implications-mortality, change in treatment, and time management-of the routine use of TBCT in adult blunt high-energy trauma patients compared with a conservative approach with the use of conventional radiography, ultrasound, and selective computed tomography. A literature search for original studies on TBCT in blunt high-energy trauma patients was performed. Two independent observers included studies concerning mortality, change of treatment, and/or time management as outcome measures. For each article, relevant data were extracted and analyzed. In addition, the quality according to the Oxford levels of evidence was assessed. From 183 articles initially identified, the observers included nine original studies in consensus. One of three studies described a significant difference in mortality; four described a change of treatment in 2% to 27% of patients because of the use of TBCT. Five studies found a gain in time with the use of immediate routine TBCT. Eight studies scored a level of evidence of 2b and one of 3b. Current literature has predominantly suboptimal design to prove terminally that the routine use of TBCT results in improved survival of blunt high-energy trauma patients. TBCT can give a change of treatment and improves time intervals in the emergency department as compared with its selective use.

Trends in Imaging Use During the Emergency Department Evaluation of Flank Pain

Patients with acute flank pain or kidney pain are most commonly evaluated in the emergency department with computerized tomography. Currently our understanding of radiographic practice patterns in emergency imaging for flank pain is limited. We characterized the use of conventional radiography (x-ray), ultrasound and computerized tomography in the emergency department evaluation of patients with acute flank pain. We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of emergency department visits using data on 2000 to 2008 from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Specific visits for a complaint of flank or kidney pain were further analyzed. During the study period there was a significant increase in computerized tomography use (p <0.0001) and a significant decrease in x-ray use (p = 0.035) while ultrasound use remained stable (p = 0.803). During that period the proportion of patients with flank pain who were diagnosed with a kidney stone remained stable at approximately 20% (p = 0.135). Between 2000 and 2008 there was a significant increase in computerized tomography use for the emergency evaluation of patients with flank pain.

Forensic radiology and personal identification of unidentified bodies: a review

Personal identification of unidentified bodies is crucial for ethical, juridical and civil reasons and is performed through comparison between biological data obtained from the cadaver and antemortem material from one or more missing persons to whom the body may have belonged in life. The increasing applications of forensic radiology and the wide use of conventional radiography and computed tomography (CT) in routine clinical practice demonstrate the potential of these technologies as tools for verifying the correspondence between an unidentified body and an identity suspect. This paper reviews the literature concerning the application of forensic radiology to the difficult issue of personal identification. Despite the increasing importance of the comparison between radiographic and CT findings, numerous limitations still need to be overcome, including the fact that few forensic centres have access to sophisticated X-ray technologies and that the reliability of those technologies for detecting specific morphological traits and bone lesions is a matter of intense debate. In addition, as with other morphological methods for identification, comparisons between antemortem and postmortem data require standardisation and statistical analysis, especially in Europe where there are very few indications concerning the admission in court of evidence obtained by anthropological and radiological methods. In the future, with developments in radiographic technologies and increasing numbers of studies on their application to the forensic setting, radiology will become one of the most useful tools in the field of personal identification.

Imaging findings of sacroiliac joints in spondyloarthropathies and other rheumatic conditions

The authors sought to evaluate the role of the different imaging techniques in the study of sacroiliac joints in patients with spondyloarthropathies (SpA) and other rheumatic conditions and to assess potential pitfalls in the radiological diagnosis. Forty-three consecutive patients with sacroiliitis as the predominant symptom of a rheumatic disorder were retrospectively studied. Radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were performed. The following imaging findings were evaluated: bone marrow oedema, intra-articular effusion, synovial reaction, joint-space widening, bone sclerosis or hyperostosis, subchondral erosions and, in final stages, joint-space narrowing and ankylosis. All images were independently reviewed by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Radiography demonstrated bone sclerosis in 10 patients (23%), subchondral erosions in 15 (34%), jointspace widening in 8 (18%), joint-space narrowing in 17 (39%) and ankylosis in 3 (6%). CT examination showed sclerosis of the sacroiliac joint in 17 patients (41%), subchondral erosions in 21 (53%), joint-space widening in 22 (53%), joint-space narrowing in 18 (43%) and ankylosis in 7 (17%). At MR, we found bone marrow oedema in 25 patients (92%), intra-articular effusion in 26 (96%), synovial reaction in 21 (77%) and joint-space widening in 5 (18%). Radiological study of the sacroiliac joints in patients with different rheumatic disorders represents a problem of difficult diagnostic evaluation due to the complexity of the anatomical region and the variability of radiographic findings. The integrated use of conventional radiography, CT and MR imaging is suggested to avoid misdiagnosis.

Impact of freezing on immunology and incorporation of bone allograft

With an increasing clinical use of deep frozen allograft for bone reconstruction, it is important to understand the immunological and biological events of allograft incorporation. In this study, we have investigated the impact of deep freezing on immunology and biopotency for incorporation of bone allografts. Deep frozen bone grafts matched or mismatched for major histoscompatibilty complex (MHC) were implanted in an 8-mm segmental defect in the tibia in rats. The construct was stabilized with intramedullary nailing. The immune response was evaluated by determination of serum antibody against the grafts MHC molecules at day 1 and after 2 and 4 months. Incorporation of the graft was compared with fresh syngeneic grafts and assessed with the use of conventional radiography, biomechanical testing and measurement of bone mineral content and density after 4 months. The analyses revealed no antibody responses in the rats that received grafts from donors differing at histocompatibility loci, and at 4 months the frozen grafts showed an overall reconstruction that was not significantly different from the fresh grafts. This study indicates that in the long run there are no significant consequences; either immunological or biomechanical, of the use of deep frozen allogenous bone as compared to fresh autogenous bone grafts in this animal model.

Angiografia cerebral em cães

Angiografia cerebral é o método de imagem empregado para detecção de alterações dos vasos sanguíneos do cérebro, pela injeção de contraste positivo e obtenção da imagem por meio da radiografia convencional, tomografia computadorizada ou ressonância magnética. No presente trabalho, descreve-se a técnica com o emprego da radiografia convencional em razão da disponibilidade muito restrita de equipamentos de tomografia computadorizada e da inexistência de equipamentos de ressonância magnética na área da medicina veterinária, no Brasil. O objetivo foi avaliar a eficácia do meio de imagem para demonstrar o padrão angiográfico de animais sem afecção neurológica, visando a preencher a lacuna deixada pelo exame radiográfico simples, em casos de alterações de fluxo sanguíneo intracranianos. Concluiu-se que a técnica utilizada é eficaz para a obtenção de imagens nítidas dos vasos cerebrais e sua distribuição.

Impact of freezing on bone graft incorporation biomechanical evaluations in rats

Background With an increasing clinical application of grafting for bone reconstruction, it is important to understand the physiological and biological events of graft incorporation. In this study, we have investigated the impact of deep freezing on the biopotency for incorporation of bone grafts. Methods Fresh and deep-frozen autogenous bone grafts were implanted in an 8-mm segmental defect in the tibia. The construct was stabilized with intramedullary nailing. Incorporation of the graft was assessed with use of conventional radiography, biomechanical testing and measurements of bone mineral content and density after 2 and 4 months, respectively. Findings Frozen grafts were significantly less integrated after 2 months as compared to fresh grafts. After 4 months, however, the frozen grafts showed an overall reconstruction that was not significantly different from the fresh grafts. Both frozen and fresh grafted segments had only reached 70% strength of intact bone at 4 months. Interpretation This study indicates that in the long run there are no significant consequences, radiologically or biomechanically, of deep freezing as compared to fresh bone grafts.

Imaging Patients with Acute Abdominal Pain

Acute abdominal pain may be caused by a myriad of diagnoses, including acute appendicitis, diverticulitis, and cholecystitis. Imaging plays an important role in the treatment management of patients because clinical evaluation results can be inaccurate. Performing computed tomography (CT) is most important because it facilitates an accurate and reproducible diagnosis in urgent conditions. Also, CT findings have been demonstrated to have a marked effect on the management of acute abdominal pain. The cost-effectiveness of CT in the setting of acute appendicitis was studied, and CT proved to be cost-effective. CT can therefore be considered the primary technique for the diagnosis of acute abdominal pain, except in patients clinically suspected of having acute cholecystitis. In these patients, ultrasonography (US) is the primary imaging technique of choice. When costs and ionizing radiation exposure are primary concerns, a possible strategy is to perform US as the initial technique in all patients with acute abdominal pain, with CT performed in all cases of nondiagnostic US. The use of conventional radiography has been surpassed; this examination has only a possible role in the setting of bowel obstruction. However, CT is more accurate and more informative in this setting as well. In cases of bowel perforation, CT is the most sensitive technique for depicting free intraperitoneal air and is valuable for determining the cause of the perforation. Imaging is less useful in cases of bowel ischemia, although some CT signs are highly specific. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a promising alternative to CT in the evaluation of acute abdominal pain and does not involve the use of ionizing radiation exposure. However, data on the use of MR imaging for this indication are still sparse. http://radiology.rsna.org/content/253/1/31/suppl/DC1.

MR Imaging Assessment of Temporomandibular Joint Soft Tissue Injuries in Dislocated and Nondislocated Mandibular Condylar Fractures

Evaluation of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) soft tissue injuries after condylar fractures remains a challenge with use of conventional radiography and CT. The aim of this study was to explore MR imaging in the assessment of TMJ soft tissue injuries after condylar fractures. Eighty subjects (118 TMJs) with condylar fractures were examined with sagittal and coronal MR imaging. Proton attenuation and T2-weighted sequences were the key sequences in our imaging protocol. All of the condylar fractures were classified into condylar fractures with dislocation (group 1, 108 TMJs) and without dislocation (group 2, 10 TMJs). MR imaging demonstrated the following TMJ soft tissue injuries: 1) disk displacements (91.5%, 105 [97.2%] in group 1 and 3 [30%] in group 2; P < .01). Almost all disk displacements in group 1 were in the anteroinferior direction; 2) abnormal signal intensities of retrodiskal tissues (87.3%, 98 [88.3%] in group 1 and 5 [50%] in group 2; P < .05); 3) joint effusion (85.6%, 95 [88%] in group 1 and 6 [60%] in group 2; P > .05); 4) abnormal inferoposterior attachments of disks (87.3%, 96 [88.9%] in group 1 and 7 [70%] in group 2; P > .05) and joint capsules (85.6%, 94 [87%] in group 1 and 7 [70%] in group 2; P > .05). There were significant differences of disk displacement and signal intensities of retrodiskal tissues between both fractures. Most dislocated condylar fractures were characterized with anteroinferior disk displacements along with the fractured fragments. MR imaging could provide additional information of TMJ soft tissue injuries after condylar fractures.

Recommendations for the assessment and monitoring of skeletal manifestations in children with Gaucher disease

Gaucher disease (GD), the most common of the lysosomal storage disorders, results from mutations in the gene for acid β-glucosidase (glucocerebrosidase, GBA) leading to insufficient enzyme activity [1]. Glucocerebroside accumulation in the lysosomes of various cell types is responsible for the clinical manifestations of GD, which may include hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and bone marrow infiltration by lipid-engorged “Gaucher cells.” Occurring panethnically, type 1 (non-neuronopathic) is the most prevalent form of GD, while the less frequent type 2 (acute neuronopathic) and type 3 (chronic neuronopathic) are characterized by neurological involvement. More than half of type 1 patients are diagnosed in childhood and an earlier age of onset is indicative of more severe disease due to its progressive nature. Affecting both the marrow and mineral compartments, GD-related bone disease is the most significant cause of morbidity and long-term disability for patients. GD-related bone disease in children is a major cause for concern as it puts them at risk of developing irreversible and debilitating bone complications and interferes with normal growth and achievement of optimal bone mass during a critical period of growth. Timely initiation of appropriate disease management is necessary to avoid serious long-term complications such as growth retardation, osteoporosis, and fractures, and includes an initial radiological assessment and ongoing monitoring of both the bone marrow and mineral components. General guidelines for the monitoring of skeletal disease in children with type 1 GD recommend magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine and femora; radiography of the spine (when clinically indicated), chest, pelvis, and long bones; and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the spine and hips at baseline and every 12–24 months [2, 3]. However, these recommendations require further clarification in view of the challenges associated with their use in children with GD, especially since the use of conventional radiography is limited by a high burden of radiation and lack of sensitivity and specificity. The current standard of care for type 1 GD is enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with imiglucerase (Cerezyme®; Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge, MA, USA). Oral substrate reduction therapy with miglustat (Zavesca®; Actelion, San Francisco, CA, USA) is also available for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate GD for whom ERT is not an option. The availability of therapy that may prevent or reverse GD-related bone disease heightens the need for early diagnosis and initiation of disease management in children. A Working Group of international experts met in October 2006 to recommend evidence- and consensus-based guidelines to facilitate the assessment and monitoring of bone disease in children with type 1 or type 3 GD.