osteoporosis is rare among children and adolescents. when it occurs it is usually caused by an underlying medical disorder or by medications used to treat such disorders. this is called secondary osteoporosis. it may also be the result of a genetic disorder such as osteogenesis imperfecta in which bones break easily from little or no apparent cause. sometimes there is no identifiable cause of juvenile osteoporosis. this is known as idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis. two or more low-impact fractures may be a sign of one of these disorders. if you are concerned about a child's frequent fractures talk to a doctor for more information.
can young children have osteoporosis?