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.
- 1 in every 15,000 children suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta worldwide.1
- It is a commonly managed condition in many of our hospitals
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536957
If Not Treated
If Not Treated
Without medical intervention, those with osteogenesis imperfecta could lose the ability to walk entirely.
Children with disabilities often experience stigma and discrimination, leading to poor self-confidence and isolation.
Treatment
Treatment
While there is no cure for osteogenesis imperfecta, doctors manage the condition through intravenous medicine to strengthen the bones (bisphosphonates) and surgery to straighten the bones.
Most children with this condition at CURE have already had dozens of fractures over their childhood and present with severe deformities of their legs. Once broken bones are stabilized, surgeons place metal rods and pins into the child’s bones to prevent more breaks and abnormal bending. The metal rods will need to be replaced every few years until the child stops growing.
Before
Children like Farida rely on the support and generosity of people like you to receive surgery and comprehensive care offered at CURE hospitals.
We treat brittle bone disease at CURE Children’s Hospitals in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Niger, Philippines, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
After
Children like Farida rely on the support and generosity of people like you to receive surgery and comprehensive care offered at CURE hospitals.
We treat brittle bone disease at CURE Children’s Hospitals in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Niger, Philippines, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
