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Brittle Bone Disease in Babies

Children's Hospital Boston reports brittle-bone disease, also known as osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), occurs in one of 20,000 to one of 60,000 live births.

  1. What Is Brittle Bone Disease?

    • The Children's National Medical Center states that OI is inherited and identified by bones that are broken easily with no specific cause.

    Causes

    • Children's Hospital Boston reports OI is a genetic defect that causes an insufficient amount of bone collagen in connective tissue.

    Types

    • Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD) reports there are four types of OI. Type One is the most common and mildest form. Type Two is often fatal. Type Three shows bone deformity. Type Four shows spinal curvatures.

    Diagnosing Brittle Bone Disease

    • Other than a complete medical history and physical examination, Children's Hospital Boston reports diagnostic procedures and examinations of the ear, nose and throat for hearing loss help to diagnose OI.

    Treatment

    • According to the Children's National Medical Center, treatment of OI is based on factors such as age, history and OI type. The goal is to prevent fractures and allow the child to function as normally as possible.

    Management

    • CHKD reports management of OI can be non-surgical or surgical and include non-surgical physical therapy, braces and splints, or surgery for fractures, bowing of the bones or heart problems.

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