Osteoporosis may affect young individuals, albeit infrequently. In childhood, bone mass increases, reaching its peak between the second and third decades; then, after a period of stability, it gradually declines. Several conditions, including genetic disorders, chronic diseases, and some medications, can have an impact on bone homeostasis. Diagnosis in young patients is based on the criteria defined by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD), published in 2013. High risk factors should be identified and monitored. Often simple interventions aimed to eliminate the underlying cause, to minimize the negative bone effects linked to drugs, or to increase calcium and vitamin D intake can protect bone mass. However, in selected cases, pharmacological treatment should be considered. Bisphosphonates remain the main therapeutic agent for children with significant skeletal fragility and are also useful in a large number of other bone conditions. Denosumab, an anti-RANKL antibody, could become a potential alternative treatment. Clinical trials to evaluate the long-term effects and safety of denosumab in children are ongoing.

骨质疏松症可能会影响年轻人，尽管这种情况并不常见。在儿童时期，骨量增加，在二三十岁之间达到顶峰；然后，经过一段时间的稳定后，逐渐下降。包括遗传疾病、慢性疾病和一些药物在内的多种疾病都会对骨骼稳态产生影响。年轻患者的诊断基于 2013 年出版的国际临床密度测定学会 (ISCD) 定义的标准。应识别和监测高危因素。通常简单的干预措施旨在消除根本原因，最大限度地减少与药物相关的负面骨骼影响，或增加钙和维生素 D 的摄入量，可以保护骨量。然而，在某些情况下，应考虑药物治疗。双膦酸盐仍然是严重骨骼脆弱儿童的主要治疗剂，也可用于大量其他骨骼疾病。地诺单抗是一种抗 RANKL 抗体，可能成为一种潜在的替代疗法。评估地诺单抗对儿童的长期影响和安全性的临床试验正在进行中。