Active clinical trials for "Bone Diseases, Developmental"

This study is to evaluate the amount of correction of torsional deformity in Blount's disease after coronal plane deformity correction by 8 plate hemiepiphysiodesis.

This preclinical randomized crossover study will examine the effects of oral versus non-oral contraceptive therapy on bone turnover in young exercising women. In an effort to expose the route-dependent effects of oral versus non-oral contraceptive therapy on bone turnover, the investigators will examine 1) the effects of ethinyl estradiol on bone calcium balance using the 41Ca technology and 2) the underlying physiological mechanisms associated with the effects of oral versus non-oral contraceptive therapy on net bone calcium balance.

Physical activity and dairy consumption during growth and development are each known to improve peak bone mass in young adults. Peak bone mass, the maximum amount of bone a person will have in their lifetime, is typically reached in the early 20's in females and late 20's in males. However, evidence suggests that young people do not consume enough dairy to maximize their bone mass. The resulting effect in peak bone mass can be troublesome, particularly for athletes, such as volleyball players. This study aims to determine whether increased dairy consumption combined with training can have an additive effect on the physiology of young competitive athletes. Specifically, we will examine whether Greek yogurt consumption will lead to beneficial changes in bone metabolism and inflammation, in adolescent and young adult, male and female athletes, similar to those observed with whey protein supplementation. Many athletes choose exclusively protein supplementation and miss out on other nutrients vital for healthy growth and development. By examining the benefits of Greek yogurt across different athlete age groups and sexes, this work will help reshape the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours surrounding diet of young athletes.

Accurate skeletal maturity assessment is important for prediction of curve progression and clinical management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) including bracing decision and counseling for prognosis. Determination of the timing of peak growth height velocity and growth remaining are paramount important.1,2 Commonly used clinical or radiological methods are still inadequate or too complex for rapid clinical use in the outpatient setting.3-5 Risser sign had disadvantages of low visibility in posteroanterior (PA) spinal radiograph, wide variability with maturity level and imprecise representation of peak height velocity (PHV) timing.6 Greulich and Pyle atlas (GP atlas) and Tanner-Whitehouse-III (TWIII) method are more reliable and comprehensive classifications to predict maturity, but they are cumbersome and time consuming to be used clinically.7 Both methods require the usage of an atlas, a learning curve required for exact matching of atlas plate or assignment of scores to bones.8 In this study, the investigators introduce Thumb Ossification Classification Index (TOCI). TOCI employed the measurements of epiphysis of distal phalange, proximal phalange, and adductor sesamoid, and results were analyzed together to form a composite stage (composite score) to predict maturity in patient at their peripubertal period. Ultimately the application of TOCI should not be limited to IS patients only. After the establishment of TOCI classification system, the staging system would be applied to radiographs from patients without spinal deformity or suffering from diseases not related to spine.

The Greulich and Pyle technique (G&P) is that most commonly used to assess bone age in children, particularly in the context of suspected skeletal dysplasia. However it has been shown not to be applicable to children of Asian and African ethnicity and may not be applicable to United Kingdom (UK) Caucasian children, who are now relatively more mature and larger than children of the mid 1930's (when G&P was developed). It is generally agreed that updated standards are required for rapid and reliable bone age assessment. The development of such standards requires irradiation of normal children. To do this ethically, radiation exposure must be kept as low as possible. Two recent studies suggest that bone age assessment can be reliably achieved from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans. As far as the investigators are aware, the Tanner & Whitehouse (TW3) method, which is preferred by some (e.g. endocrinologists and nutritionists), has not been assessed from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans - although not the main focus of this study, because of its popularity amongst certain specialties, the investigators shall be assessing the TW3 method also. Modern techniques should not only be available as textbooks, but should also be available in digital (on-line) format and where possible integrated with hospital PACS systems. The investigators believe that their team has the required experience and expertise to successfully carry out such a project. Before conducting the required large cross-sectional study, the investigators must first confirm that DXA can in fact replace radiographs for bone age assessment in children; which is the objective of this current study.

The aim of the present study is to obtain long term follow-up in patients with osteofibrous dysplasia, to assess natural history of the disease, late results of treatment and in particular the potential and risk of progression to adamantinoma.

This is a observational study to investigate the degree to which bone mineral density is impaired in boys with autism compared with typically developing controls.

This study will determine the genes responsible for skeletal dysplasias (disorders of the skeleton) and short stature and define the range and type of medical problems they cause over time. It will investigate whether specific gene changes cause specific medical problems in these disorders and identify the signs and symptoms upon which their diagnoses must be based. Individuals with short stature or with a skeletal dysplasia known or suspected to be caused by a gene mutation (change) may be eligible for this study. Family members may also participate. Skeletal dysplasias under study include: achondroplasia, hypochondroplasia, achondrogenesis type II, hypochondrogenesis, Kniest dysplasia, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasias, Stickler syndrome; Shmid and Jansen metaphyseal dysplasias; pyknodysotosis, proximal symphalangism, brachydactyly types B C and E, Ellis van Creveld and related disorders, metatrophic chondrodysplasias, cartilage-hair hypoplasia and disorders with a skeletal abnormality that have not yet been defined but might be the result of a genetic defect. Patients will talk with two genetics specialists who will explain the study and its possible implications for the patient and family and answer questions. The patient's medical records will be reviewed, a personal and family history will be taken, and a physical examination will be done. Various other procedures that may be done include drawing up to 6 tablespoons of blood, some of which will be used for DNA (genetic) studies, X-rays, echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), eye examination, hearing test, sleep study, sperm analysis and skin biopsy (surgical removal of a small piece of skin done under local anesthetic). There may be additional evaluations by specialists in rheumatology, rehabilitation medicine and orthopedics. When the tests and examinations are completed (after 2 to 3 days), a doctor will discuss the results with the patient. Patients whose DNA studies show that a gene change is responsible for their disorder will meet with a genetics nurse or counselor to review the results, express their feelings and ask any questions they may have. Patients may be asked to return to NIH every 6 months to 2 years for continued follow-up. Medical management will be provided primarily by the patient's own physician. Participating family members will be interviewed by telephone about their personal and family health history and will have a blood sample drawn for DNA testing. If a gene change is found that is responsible for the bone disorder or growth problem in the family, arrangements will be made for the family member to discuss the implications of the findings with a genetics specialist.