Researchers surveyed 198 bone doctors in Turkey to see how they handle rickets, a bone disease that weakens children’s bones. They found that doctors with more experience were less likely to send patients to hormone specialists and preferred giving vitamin D shots instead of drops. Newer doctors were more likely to refer patients to specialists without trying treatment first. The study shows that doctors need better guidelines for treating rickets so all children get the right care at the right time.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How bone doctors in Turkey decide to treat children with rickets, a disease that makes bones soft and weak
  • Who participated: 198 bone doctors from Turkey who treat children and adults with bone problems
  • Key finding: Experienced doctors (10+ years) were much more likely to treat rickets themselves instead of sending kids to hormone specialists
  • What it means for you: If your child has rickets, the treatment they get may depend more on which doctor you see than on medical guidelines

The Research Details

The researchers created an online survey with 14 questions about how doctors diagnose and treat rickets. They sent it to members of two major bone doctor groups in Turkey. Before sending it out, 13 experienced bone doctors reviewed the survey to make sure the questions were clear and covered the right topics. The survey asked about the doctors’ experience, how many child patients they see, and what they do when they encounter rickets cases.

This type of survey research helps identify gaps in medical care and shows whether doctors are following best practices. Since rickets is still common in developing countries, understanding how doctors handle it can help improve treatment for children.

The study had a good response rate and included doctors from across Turkey. However, it only shows what doctors say they do, not what they actually do in practice. The survey was reviewed by experts before use, which strengthens its reliability.

What the Results Show

The study revealed significant differences in how bone doctors approach rickets treatment. Doctors with more than 10 years of experience were much less likely to refer patients to pediatric hormone specialists and preferred giving vitamin D through shots or high-dose pills rather than daily drops. In contrast, newer doctors were more cautious and more likely to send patients to specialists. Doctors who rarely see children (less than 25% of their patients) were more likely to refer without trying any treatment first. Interestingly, doctors who worked in hospitals with pediatric hormone specialists available were also more likely to refer patients immediately.

Doctors who see at least one rickets patient per week had better knowledge about normal vitamin D blood levels and were less likely to refer patients to specialists. This suggests that experience with rickets specifically, not just general experience, improves doctors’ confidence in treating the condition.

This appears to be one of the first studies to systematically examine how bone doctors in Turkey handle rickets cases. The findings align with general patterns seen in other countries where specialist availability and doctor experience influence treatment decisions.

The study only included doctors from Turkey, so results may not apply to other countries. It relied on what doctors said they would do rather than observing actual patient care. Some doctors who received the survey didn’t respond, which could affect the results.

The Bottom Line

Parents should ensure their child’s rickets is properly diagnosed with blood tests before treatment begins. If your bone doctor seems unsure about treatment, asking for a referral to a pediatric hormone specialist is reasonable. The study suggests that standardized treatment guidelines could help ensure all children receive appropriate care regardless of which doctor they see.

Parents of children with rickets, pediatricians, and bone doctors should pay attention to these findings. Children in areas with less experienced doctors or limited specialist access may need extra advocacy to ensure proper treatment.

The researchers recommend immediate implementation of standardized treatment guidelines in medical training programs, which could improve care consistency within a few years.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track vitamin D supplement intake daily and monitor any bone pain or walking difficulties in children with rickets
  • Log doctor visits and treatment decisions to ensure consistent care and identify when specialist referral might be needed
  • Record vitamin D blood test results every 3-6 months and track improvement in bone symptoms over time

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your child’s doctor or a pediatric specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment of rickets or any bone condition.