BBD Longitudinal Study of Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a rare disorder of increased bone fragility characterized by fractures with minimal or absent trauma, dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI), and, in adult years, hearing loss. It is seen in both genders and all races. The clinical features of OI represent a continuum varying from perinatal lethality to individuals with severe skeletal deformities, mobility impairments, and very short stature to nearly asymptomatic individuals with a mild predisposition to fractures, normal stature, and normal lifespan. Fractures can occur in any bone, but are most common in the extremities. These disorders can be devastating and progressive and result in deformity, chronic pain, impaired function and loss of quality of life. The overall goal of this study is to answer specific question about the natural history of brittle bone diseases as defined by molecular etiology and to develop the foundation for prospective clinical studies.