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Brittle Bone Disease (Osteogenesis Imperfecta)

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Definition & SymptomsCauses & Risk FactorsTests & DiagnosticsTreatmentsComplicationsPrevention

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Definition

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a condition causing extremely fragile bones.

Symptoms

All people with OI have weak bones, which makes them susceptible to fractures. Persons with OI are usually below average height ( short stature). However, the severity of the disease varies greatly.

The classic symptoms include:

Because type I collagen is also found in ligaments, persons with OI often have loose joints (hypermobility) and flat feet. Some types of OI also lead to the development of poor teeth.

Symptoms of more severe forms of OI may include:

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Fractures
If more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. A break of any size is called a fracture. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open fracture (compound fracture. A stress fracture is a hairline crack i...  More »
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Short Stature
Short stature refers to any person who is significantly below the average height for a person of the same age and sex. The term often refers to children or adolescents who are significantly below the average height of their peers.  More »
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Hearing Impairment
Hearing loss is the total or partial inability to hear sound in one or both ears. See also: Hearing loss of aging  More »
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