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What is Brittle Bone Disease?

Tricia Christensen
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Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 133,859
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Brittle bone disease is a rare genetic disorder that causes bones to break easily because of problems with collagen production and quality in the body. Also known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) or Lobstein syndrome, there are eight different types of this condition, which vary in severity. Though there is no cure for brittle bone disease, the symptoms are often manageable. Besides the effect it has on the body, OI also often has psychological and social effects, and may be mistaken for child abuse in some situations.

Types of OI

There are eight different types of brittle bone disease, which differ in terms of the specific genetic variation that causes them, how the collagen is affected, and what other symptoms occur along with the bone brittleness. Type I is the mildest, while Types II and VIII are considered the most severe. Types III through VII are all considered deforming, but the collagen of those with Types V and VI looks different from that of those with other types.

Of the eight types, types I through V are caused by autosomal dominant genes, meaning that a person would only need to get the abnormal gene causing the disease from one parent. Types VII and VIII are autosomal recessive, meaning that both parents have to pass on the abnormal gene for the child to develop the condition. It's not clear whether Type VI is dominant or recessive.

Symptoms

The symptoms of OI vary depending on what type it is, but generally speaking, people with this condition are short, tend to have a lot of fractures and bruises, a higher than average voice, and brittle teeth. About half of people with OI are hearing impaired, because the bones that transmit sound in their inner ears break easily or are deformed. Additionally, they tend to get overheated easily, and may sweat a lot. Many also have blue tinges in the whites of their eyes, though people with Type IV don't. Those with Type V usually have collagen cells that look like mesh, while those with Type VI have collagen that has a fish scale look.

Diagnosing

Making a diagnosis of brittle bone disease can be difficult, since not all people have immediately visible symptoms. Also, bone density tests and X-rays aren't reliable, since the bones of those with OI tend to show up as normal, unless they've been broken many times. A diagnosis can be made by observing the type of collagen a person's cells produce or by looking at their genes for the types of mutations that cause collagen abnormalities, but neither is a foolproof method.

Treatment

Brittle bone disease has no cure, so treatment is focused on reducing breakages and deformation. In Type I and Type IV, the bones appear to be more vulnerable to breakage during growth spurts, and breakages occur with even the simplest of injuries. Physical therapists can work with children to help them build muscle tone to protect bones. Some patients undergo surgery to fuse the spine, which may help with posture and reduce curvature, but the bones are often so fragile that this surgery is quite risky. There's no specific medications that are generally used to treat this condition, but some people respond well to osteoporosis drugs.

Social and Psychological Effects

Although the condition is most often inherited, a genetic mutation can occur in about 25% of cases that does not come from a parent. If a child with undiagnosed OI has a lot of unexplained broken bones, health authorities may suspect the parents of abuse. A DNA or collagen test can usually clear up confusion, and those kids with OI who can't be identified through genetic testing may be diagnosed accurately by a trained expert in the field through distinctive physical features.

Children with brittle bone disease are often afraid of trying new things because of the fear of painful breaks and injuries. Frequently, psychotherapy is used to address this fear, and physical therapists can help kids figure out the safe limits of the body. Many also develop body image concerns as teenagers, which psychotherapy and support groups can also help with.

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Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a The Health Board contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.
Discussion Comments
By anon966552 — On Aug 20, 2014

I have had many accidents in my life and last year I fell and broke my femur. Now I've had a dexter x-ray and was told I have brittle bone disease, which is OI, so I will just have to take things easy now.

By anon942195 — On Mar 26, 2014

I'm 34 and have had 83 broken bones. it was known at birth that I had OI, and even still my mom was investigated for child abuse. though the case was quickly dismissed. In answer to a question about OI and receiving disability payments: yes, you can in fact be awarded SS disability and/or SSI, but you have to fight for it. Get yourself a good lawyer and do as your lawyer advises to the letter. I know, at some points in the struggle it can seem hopeless, but you have to stay with it. You will not only eventually win, but will also receive back payments all the way back from when your condition was first medically documented. I can't overstate this enough: do not give up. Even if your case appeal goes before a judge and is again denied, refile.

By anon320050 — On Feb 15, 2013

My big sister was apparently the first person in Britain with this my parents agreed to surgery to help her but she pasted away not long after she was only six months old I never met her.

I'm only 15 but love children and wondering if I ever have any of my own are they likely to have brittle bone disease as its inherited? And am I ever likely to develop it?

By anon276320 — On Jun 23, 2012

I need help. When my daughter was born, she had bowed legs. So I looked on the computer and saw that it was common and babies normally grew out of it by the time they hit 18 months. One leg straightened and the other didn't. I took her to the doctor to be referred to the hospital. They did an x ray and it shows that just below the knee is a healed fracture? She has never fallen badly, her leg never swelled or was bruised. She still walked on it fine with no limp and never showed any sign of discomfort.

So how did this happen? Was she born with it? She is having an MRI scan soon, but we're just so worried in case people think we have harmed her. We want a second opinion after the MRI scan because I don't want the hospital to jump straight into an operation if they don't need to. Has anyone out there heard of this before?

By anon250104 — On Feb 24, 2012

What is the mortality rate of this disease?

By anon218453 — On Sep 29, 2011

I'm now worried for my friend because she is constantly out of school due to broken bones. Could she have this condition?

By anon213167 — On Sep 10, 2011

Need to find an expert on OI to help diagnose it and need help fighting social services.

By anon200857 — On Jul 28, 2011

This has got to stop! After reading these posts, it helps us realize we are not alone.

When our son was four weeks old, we took him to the hospital with a swollen leg and after an x ray was done we were told he had a fractured femur. Two days later, a full skeletal was carried out and revealed three rib fractures and metaphyseal fractures to his tibia and fibia. We do not know how this as happened and are still fighting to get a diagnosis of OI.

He was obviously taken away from us because, as usual, social services won't believe the innocent parent. My son had an umbilical and inguinal hernia (common in children with OI), blue sclera, slight dysmorphic features, degree of hypertorlism, epicanthic folds. I have osteopenia and grey sclera, and have low vitamin d.

There is extensive family history of bone related problems. Finally, my doctor has referred me to a clinical geneticist, so I'm just awaiting an appointment.

I pray to god this can be sorted so we can have our most precious son home where he belongs. I have also found out this week that my mum fractured her arm in three places when she was 9 from a small fall.

By anon179320 — On May 23, 2011

can i have a chiropractic doctor help me if i have brittle bones?

By anon170395 — On Apr 26, 2011

My little sister took her six week old daughter to the hospital for swelling and redness in her right arm. They told her not only was her right arm broken but she also has 11 other fractures, one of them being a skull fracture. The fractures are all in different stages of healing. As far back as three weeks.

Currently, my little sister is in jail (four days now). The baby has been removed from her custody. She is facing a first degree felony child injury with intent. It carries a sentence of up to 99 years in prison.

She would never injure her baby! The baby has no bruising or external injuries. It would be hard to break a baby's bones and leave no bruises.

When this is over and the tests prove she has this disease, we are going to organize something so this will stop happening. I will keep in touch. We have to fight back.

By anon168309 — On Apr 16, 2011

I have juvenile fibromyalgia and I have to take a daily does of vitamin D. If I stop, I start breaking my bones yet again. I have broken about 17 bones in my body in the last four years. Does that seem right to you?

By anon164817 — On Apr 02, 2011

i have just read the page and what other people have been through. In 2004, i had my son removed from my care. Social services believed that he had been hurt but could not prove it.

i have just found out from my sister that brittle bones run in my family. My mother failed to tell me this. I could have saved my son, but instead i lost him.

I would not wish this on any parent and help is needed for other parents. The government needs to open its eyes to this, but you know what? Honestly, i doubt they will. My thoughts are with any parent going through this because of my past and having lost my son.

I'm now fighting for my daughter of 14 months to stay in my care. Let's see what happens, but i am determined social services will not get away with the prejudging they have done. It's not right. My thoughts are with you all.

By anon163784 — On Mar 29, 2011

I'm an aussie mum and have had my daughter removed from my care. my daughter had multiple broken bones. could she have this condition?

By anon155845 — On Feb 24, 2011

my 1 year old niece broke her leg yesterday and has osteogenesis imperfecta. She has broken it before also. i hope there's a cure for that.

By anon137705 — On Dec 28, 2010

I am 25 years old I have OI along with my 5 year old daughter and 27 year old brother. When I was younger having this disorder was extremely hard because of multiple broken bones.

My most recent break was about a year and a half ago. That was a foot that took nearly three months to completely heal. I'm also still having problems from an ankle that I broke when I was about 13 years old which had to have a metal plate, four screws and three pins. It's not easy living with this disorder that's why I'm hoping my daughter doesn't have to go through the pain my brother and I suffered through.

My mom tried to make it everything as normal as possible but after so many breaks you become uncomfortable with physical activities of any kind. I am grateful to have lived this long with this, even though some things continue and always will be a challenge.

By anon127466 — On Nov 16, 2010

Does anyone know of any cases of OI in infants that have no known genetic links to the parents? i.e. idiopathic or spontaneous OI.

Child protection services are creating havoc for parents rushing to judgment with charges of child abuse. Parents need help in self defense against these government agents who are destroying their families and their lives.

If anybody out there has been taken to court by Social Services with criminal charges and have been judged innocent, please post details of your cases for reference by others caught up in that abusive system. The government agents don't care. They are like a dog with a bone, focused only on what they want and on what they believe, and don't care if they send innocent parents to jail and destroy families. People need all the help they can get to fight for their freedom.

By anon119414 — On Oct 18, 2010

We found out that our daughter had OI when she was about four years old. She has type 1 OI. She was four months old when when it started. Her upper arm was broken in three places, then at the age of two she broke her other arm in three places.

Again when she was three, she broke the right arm for the second time in three places by stopping her fall from a couch.

Social services was at our door for two and half years investigating for child abuse then she again broke her left arm at the age of five from playing on the monkey bars at school. She would scream in pain at night because her joints hurt.

When the doctors at children's finally told us her condition, it answered our concerns but gave us new fears to face and more questions on how to deal with her condition. She is now turning 10 years old.

By anon111151 — On Sep 15, 2010

I have a female friend whose bones in her feet continually break for no apparent reason. Why?

By anon104920 — On Aug 18, 2010

My one year old daughter is being tested for OI after multiple breaks in her tibia and femur. She also has blue sclera (or grey/blue discoloration of the whites in her eyes). It is difficult excepting the reality of what she will have to endure through life, but we'll make it! OI may be a disease, but it will not change the love we have for her, and while her bones may break, her spirit will be unbreakable.

By anon97928 — On Jul 21, 2010

My son is now four months old and in foster care. he had four fractured ribs. my husband and i don't know how it happened. he was in and out of the hospital since he was only five weeks old. we have a two and a half year old and no one has ever seen child abuse. Oh, by the way, our two and a half year old is in foster care too. we have been good parents and trying to find out how this could happen. could he have temporary brittle bone diseases?

By anon86554 — On May 25, 2010

i have oi and broke femurs, arms and ribs. I'm 25 and have a broken femur right now and they will not give social sec. disability because they say it doesn't last more than 12 months. when i do break a bone it takes 12 months just to get over the crap.

I've been dealing with this my whole life. I'm just getting really depressed. can someone tell me if you can get disability with oi and how. sincerely, doyle m. please help.

By anon85975 — On May 23, 2010

I am 21 years old. For the past two years, I've felt like my bone structure is changing, where the right part of my body's bones are getting stronger and the left is getting a little weaker. I can feel my face structure changing a bit. When i ask others about this, they say nothing has changed, but i feel something has changed. What may be the problem here?

By anon79996 — On Apr 25, 2010

My niece's baby is six months old and had swelling in her leg and was taken to hospital. They told her the leg was broken and the other leg and ribs had old fractures. CPS stepped in to investigate and my niece is confused and in shock.

By anon61842 — On Jan 22, 2010

I am a school bus driver, and would like to find out how to handle a brittle bone child in order to help other special needs drivers in my area, s we can provide the best care for our students. Example of what I'm wanting to know. How to pick the child up in case of a bus accident? Do we pick the child up as if the child were an infant (arm under legs and arm around the back in order to support the full body)? Anyone can give the advice.

By anon61149 — On Jan 18, 2010

The love of my life was diagnosed with OI at birth. He is now in his early 30's, and is getting ready to under go his second hip replacement!

It's hard on the person with the disease, just as it is hard on the people that love them. Everything can be going so well, and then in an instant, things change, and the depression sets in. It's hard!

I support anyone who has the disease! Young, old, or in between.

By anon54443 — On Nov 30, 2009

it is sad.

By anon51006 — On Nov 02, 2009

my son, who has just turned two, has just been tested for osteogenesis I and the results show he has it. that was passed on from his father. he didn't know he had it until my son broke his leg and after being in plaster for eight weeks he had his cast off and a week later he broke his thigh bone, just by falling over. he was in the hospital for a long three weeks and has now been in a nip spica for six weeks and still in that. He has it off in two weeks. i know a lot about osteogenesis so if you need to know anything i can help.

By anon45802 — On Sep 20, 2009

I just wanted to know a bit about brittle bones. my sister of 19 has just had a baby boy with brittle bones type 3. none of our families have had it. He's not even a week old and only god knows how many bones he has broken. Can anyone explain to me if he's going to be all right and have a normal life or does anyone know of any flims i can watch about a baby with type 3 brittle bones? please someone reply back to me. i haven't stopped crying, thinking about my sister and her baby son.

By anon45661 — On Sep 18, 2009

My friend's two month baby has a broken arm and test shown about eight other broken bones that have healed and after reading this article, we are sure it's a brittle bone disease. all other symptoms add up with it. She has taken her baby numerous times to the pediatrician, questioning all of this and nothing was done. Now with proof of the broken bones she has lost her baby to a family member until a genetic doctor calls (1-2 weeks). I just think its so sad what you have to go through when you were trying to be a good parent in the first place! The baby needs to be looked at now, not two weeks from now, and no one seems to care. They just look at the mother like she's a criminal!

By anon43936 — On Sep 03, 2009

My older cousin had a little boy in July of this year. since he was born there hasn't been something right. He won't sleep on his back and hates being cradled like a normal baby. Instead he only settles if you lie him either on your chest/tummy or have him on your shoulder with his head resting on your shoulder.

A few weeks ago a friends child accidentually hit him with a toy and he was taken to hospital as his nose was bleeding but they said he was fine. A few days later he was rushed to hospital as he was bringing up blood. They did X rays and CT scans but nothing came back. Eventually he settled and he came home. Still he had problems with settling, winding and feeding. In the last few weeks he has been bruising when you handle him, even when he just sits in your arms/lap for a feed. He went for an X-ray this week and the doctors have said he has broken his ribs in numerous places, but all he has done since he was born is sleep and be fed - is it possible he has brittle bone disease?

By anon43241 — On Aug 26, 2009

I have a friend who has baby who is five weeks old. My friend just found out that he has broken both his arms and some ribs and the parents do not know why and can't work out how it happened. can this be a case of brittle bone disease?

By anon39755 — On Aug 04, 2009

My cousin had a baby girl yesterday morning and the doctors had been telling her all along that something wasn't right. It turns out that the baby (Grace) has a form of dwarfism and has been diagnosed with type 3 brittle bone disease. They said she may not make it. I'm just trying to find out any information I can about this disease.

By anon34874 — On Jun 29, 2009

Is brittlebone disease ever associated with extreme dental issues? My son has tremendous issues with his teeth ....cavities, fillings that fall out, chips, etc. He also has frequent broken bones and injuries... His dentist has indicated that his oral hygiene is actually quite good, so he thinks there may be more to this condition.

By anon29661 — On Apr 06, 2009

I know there are eight different types of OI because I have been researching about OI since my infant son passed away from type II.

By akpete47 — On Jan 31, 2009

Ive just been told that my father has brittle bone disease. I don't know what form it is? all i know is that he has just been diagnosed with it and he is 60. ( i don't really get on with my father-hence why i don't know much). I have just had a little nipper-10months ago, and was wondering should i get him tested for it?

By anon25529 — On Jan 30, 2009

how many people does brittle bone disease affect?

By anon24539 — On Jan 13, 2009

how do you get brittle bones?

By anon18863 — On Sep 30, 2008

Can this disease inflict depression? I have this disease and i have depression i'm not sure if this may be the cause

By habura — On Aug 03, 2008

Anon14642 - What's the difference between osteoporosis and brittle bone disease? Both are diseases that have to do with weak bones. Osteoporosis is more common than brittle bone disease and can be developed later in life whereas OI is less common and is something you have since birth. Osteoporosis is a general term that isn't associated with a specific cause for bone loss, unlike OI. Also, most people with OI also have osteoporosis, but the reverse is not true.

Anon16283 - OI can be treated; it can also be fatal. It all depends on the symptoms. Mild and moderate symptoms won't affect life expectancy, but severe symptoms can shorten the patient's life.

Another point. There are two types of OI that are recessively inherited -- Type VII and VIII.

By anon16283 — On Aug 02, 2008

Do people with Brittle Bone Disease die? Or is it treatable?

By anon14642 — On Jun 21, 2008

Is brittle bone and osteoporosis connected in any way?

By anon10823 — On Apr 03, 2008

Curious if this gene can be passed on and if so is there a way to reduce the risk of carrying it on? Thank you.

By anon9574 — On Mar 09, 2008

Deevanb - There are only 20,000 to 50,000 people in the U.S. including me with brittle bone disease.

By deevanb — On May 01, 2007

Brittle Bone disease affects how many people in the United States each year?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a The Health Board contributor, Tricia...
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