What is osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease)?
Osteogenesis imperfecta, commonly known as brittle bone disease, is a lifelong genetic condition affecting the body’s ability to make collagen protein, causing fragile and brittle bones. Without the right amount of collagen, bones are weak and highly susceptible to trauma, causing frequent fractures and breaks. Common symptoms of the condition are frequent broken bones, gradual bending of the leg and arm bones, short stature, weak muscles, and, in time, loss of the ability to walk.
What issues do children with brittle bones face?
PAIN
Weakened bones can lead to abnormal bending, painful breaks, and fractures
DISCRIMINATION
Children with frequent broken bones are vulnerable to bullying and exclusion
LIMITED MOBILITY
Children can lose the ability to walk, preventing them from attending school
How does surgery change a child’s life?
- The condition can be managed, though not cured, through intravenous medicine to strengthen the bones (bisphosphonates) and surgery to straighten the bones.
- Children experience restored confidence and hope as they are accepted into community life.
- Mobility improves so children can run, play, walk pain-free, completing school which lead to more opportunities.
