Lower extremity bone mineral density in children with congenital spinal dysfunction.

Aim: To assess lower extremity bone mineral density (BMD) of children with congenital spinal dysfunction and examine factors that may influence BMD in this population.

Method: Forty-four children (25 females, 19 males) aged 6 to 18 years (mean 11 y 11 mo, SD 3 y 6 mo) with congenital spinal dysfunction (35 with myelomeningocele, seven with lipomas, one with sacral agenesis, one with caudal regression) were enrolled in the study. A health survey including ambulatory status, history of bladder augmentation, and history of fracture was administered.