For Waseem, access to cutting-edge technology is a game changer. Waseem has osteogenisis imperfecta (OI), commonly called brittle bone disease. OI affects an estimated 25,000 – 50,000 people in the U.S. For children with this condition, it is incredibly important to have access to specialized pediatric orthopedic care to monitor their bones and receive bone-strengthening treatments as they grow.

Ellen Raney, M.D., orthopedic surgeon at Shriners Children’s Portland, sees many kids with conditions affecting bone strength at the bone health clinic, and is excited to give patients like Waseem a better experience. “We care for children whose bones aren’t strong enough to do everyday activities without fear of fracture,” said Dr. Raney. “Weak bones in children could be from a genetic condition, or a condition associated with limited mobility. So monitoring the status of bone density at any one point in time helps us understand how well the strengthening treatments for their bones are working. This data from the DEXA Scan is incredibly important.”

Shriners Children’s Portland recently installed a DEXA Scan (dual X-ray absorptiometry), a bone density scanner which allows the specialists to have the best information before deciding on treatments for children with weaker bones, treatments like infusions of zoledronic acid. Most notably, the DEXA Scan helps inform medical staff of the precise amount needed for each child who undergoes infusions.

Before the scanner was installed at Shriners Children’s Portland, patients had to go to medical facilities for adults to get access to the DEXA Scan. Having this technology in house and calibrated for children is an incredible benefit to patients. “This will help us to better care for our kids,” said Dr. Raney. “It will help us to stabilize their bones and monitor medications. We are so happy to have this state-of-the-art equipment all under our roof so we can take care of children right away.”