Treatments For Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta, most commonly known as brittle bone disease, is a genetic disorder that causes bones to break easily without any apparent cause. Osteogenesis imperfecta is relatively rare, and physicians use a classification system to determine the type of osteogenesis imperfecta a patient has. There are currently eight known variations of the disorder, but scientists do not know what the genetic mutation is for some of these types. Osteogenesis imperfecta also varies from person to person even within a family, which means everyone will experience the symptoms slightly differently. While this disorder is devastating, some treatments can reduce the associated symptoms.

Medication

There are no medications specifically designed for osteogenesis imperfecta at this time, though age-related osteoporosis medicines and bone cancer medicines are currently used to help with treatment. These medications are useful because they help strengthen bones, which makes the severity and frequency of bone fractures lower than usual. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved bisphosphonates, which are commonly used to strengthen the bones of children who have osteogenesis imperfecta. Along with increasing bone density, bisphosphonates can also reduce pain. For some osteogenesis imperfecta patients, growth hormone treatment helps as well, but not everyone will respond to growth hormone injections.

Continue reading to learn more ways to treat brittle bone disease.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is helpful in teaching individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta how to safely complete everyday tasks and achieve independence. Usually, occupational therapy will begin by teaching afflicted children basic motor skills so they can begin to learn personal care skills. Certain equipment, such as specialized wheelchairs, will help patients learn how to safely cultivate motor skills and, eventually, personal care skills. Water therapy is another option to consider because it offers a relatively gravity-free environment to help facilitate the skills that the patient is learning. Brittle bone disease patients may respond to treatment more slowly than other patients, so patience is a necessity. With some patients, all personal care tasks simply will not be able to be taught, so it is imperative they are taught that receiving help is okay.

Continue reading to learn about surgery as a potential treatment option for osteogenesis imperfecta.