1. Dry Equals Brittle
Dry bone disease, also known as brittle bone disease, is the layman's term for Osteogenesis Imperfecta. This bone disorder is an inherited condition and happens when the body doesn't produce enough bone collagen. Bone collagen is a protein found in connective bone tissue. Because bone is living tissue, proper bone health depends on proper bone formation. About 20,000 to 50,000 people in the U.S. have brittle bone disease and it effects both men and women equally. Bones that break without cause are the leading indicator of brittle bone disease.
2. Most Common
The most common type of brittle bone disease is Type I. This type usually shows up before puberty when most fractures happen, but some women experience fracture after menopause. Some symptoms of Type I Osteogenesis Imperfecta are: slightly shorter than normal stature, hearing loss in the early 20's and 30's, brittle teeth, some spinal curvature and a triangular face.
3. Most Severe
The most severe form of brittle bone disease is Type II. This type shows up in babies and is most severe in newborns. Often fatal, some babies with the condition do live. Type II results from a new gene mutation and has many fractures. Symptoms include: very small stature, underdeveloped lungs, small chest and severe bone deformity.
4. Between I and II
There are two other types of brittle bone disease with symptoms that fall between Type I and Type II. In both Type III and Type IV brittle bone disease doctors trace the condition through families, but the incidents of the disease seem more isolated. Both commonly have fractures at birth, different levels of hearing loss and problems with teeth. Type II patients also experience loose muscles and joints and respiratory problems. Type IV patients fall between types I and III in severity of symptoms.
5. Complicated Treatment
Treatment for brittle bone disorder has many levels depending on a person's age and the severity of the condition. Care of fractures, dental procedures, rodding of bones and joints and physical therapy all help patients dealing with the disease. Your overall health and progression of the disease determines what kind and what level of treatment you need. Sometimes surgery helps repair damage to bones and joints. Many patients benefit from positioning aids to help them sit or stand, braces and splints. Sometimes counseling helps patients deal with the pressures of life with this particular disease. Currently there is no cure for Osteogenesis Imperfecta.
