adoptspecialneeds.org

FACTS:

• Osteogenesis Imperfecta is an inherited disorder that affects the bones and joints in which the bones may break easily. There are very mild cases to severe cases of this disorder.
  
• Children with mild disease may be of short height. Children with severe disease may look they have dwarfism.
  
• This condition is not curable; however, there are some medicines that will decrease how often the bone fractures occur and will help to increase gross motor development.
  
• Children with this disease may develop scoliosis (spinal curvature) and other bone deformities.
  
• Some children may be normal in appearance, stature and development; children with more severe disease have limited and delayed motor skills, high rate of deformity and extremely short stature.
  
• It does not affect intelligence

TREATMENT:

• It is important for these children to have a good calcium and vitamin D intake. A diet with lots of dairy products and time spent out in the sun are helpful.
  
•  These children need to avoid activities where injury may happen but should be as active as possible since muscle strength decreases bone breakage.
  
• Broken bones need to be set by a doctor to prevent bone deformities. If a child is cranky or irritable for no reason or in obvious pain, a fracture may be present, even if there was no trauma to the bones. Consult a doctor about pain medication if the child has continued irritability.
  
• Physical therapy is helpful to promote proper movement and muscle development.
  
• Some children may need assistive devices; like braces, walkers, crutches to walk.