The human bone is a part of the body that constantly changes its structure throughout life. Bone consists of cells, mineral substances, and collagen fibers of protein origin. There is a continuous process of destruction and restoration in bone tissue. If there is an imbalance between these two actions, various metabolic bone diseases can occur in children.
The most common causes of bone tissue damage mechanisms:
- deficiency of micronutrients or vitamin D in the diet, or the inability of the child's body to absorb them,
- influence of medications and hormonal drugs,
- excessive production of cortisol, T4, or PTH,
- congenital defect in collagen production mechanisms,
- sedentary lifestyle.
The most common metabolic bone diseases in children are osteoporosis, rickets, and osteomalacia. The development of osteoporosis may be associated with a predominance of proteins in the diet that increase acidity levels. Rickets affects not only bone tissue but also cartilage, resulting in deformity and reduced size of the child's bones. Osteomalacia develops against the background of vitamin D deficiency and poor metabolism.
It is important to detect bone metabolic disorders in children at an early age, as destructive processes can be halted while the body is still developing.
In Israel, specialists use the following diagnostic methods:
- information gathering,
- general laboratory tests,
- investigation of calcium and other micronutrient levels,
- X-ray of bones in various parts of the body,
- ultrasound, computed tomography,
- bone tissue biopsy.
Treatment of metabolic bone diseases in Israel is carried out through comprehensive therapy. Each treatment is based on a carefully developed individual diet. Treatment is predominantly pharmacological. If a bone metabolic disorder develops against the background of another disease, therapy is conducted to eliminate the primary pathology. Surgical methods help correct bone deformities that arise from rickets. Osteomalacia and rickets in the context of renal tubular pathologies and osteoporosis, where complete recovery of existing consequences cannot be achieved, are difficult to treat. Therefore, specialists in Israel recommend focusing on the prevention of metabolic diseases. The diet should be balanced, rich in vitamins and minerals. The child should be physically active and spend time outdoors. Timely correction of factors causing metabolic disorders is essential.