What score is used to measure bone density in children?

• A. T-score
• B. Z-score
• C. B-score
• D. X-score

Answer: (B)

The measurement of bone density in children is represented by the Z-score. The Z-score compares a child's bone mineral density (BMD) to the average BMD of peers of the same age and sex. This standardization is particularly important in pediatric populations because children's bone density changes as they grow, making age- and sex-matched comparisons essential for accurate assessment.

The Z-score helps clinicians understand how a child's bone density compares to that of healthy children, allowing for the identification of potential conditions such as osteoporosis or other health issues related to bone density. In contrast, the T-score is primarily used for adults and compares an individual’s BMD to that of a healthy 30-year-old adult of the same sex, which is not appropriate for children due to the fundamental differences in bone development at different ages. The terms B-score and X-score do not reflect established measurements used within the context of bone density assessment, making the Z-score the accurate choice for evaluating bone density in children.