What is osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease)?

Osteogenesis imperfecta, commonly known as brittle bone disease, is a lifelong genetic condition affecting the body’s ability to make collagen protein, causing fragile and brittle bones. Without the right amount of collagen, bones are weak and highly susceptible to trauma, causing frequent fractures and breaks. Common symptoms of the condition are frequent broken bones, gradual bending of the leg and arm bones, short stature, weak muscles, and, in time, loss of the ability to walk.

What issues do children with brittle bones face?

PAIN

Weakened bones can lead to abnormal bending, painful breaks, and fractures

DISCRIMINATION

Children with frequent broken bones are vulnerable to bullying and exclusion

LIMITED MOBILITY

Children can lose the ability to walk, preventing them from attending school

How does surgery change a child’s life?

The condition can be managed, though not cured, through intravenous medicine to strengthen the bones (bisphosphonates) and surgery to straighten the bones.
Children experience restored confidence and hope as they are accepted into community life.
Mobility improves so children can run, play, walk pain-free, completing school which lead to more opportunities.

Miracles happen every day at CURE Children’s Hospital of Zimbabwe

HOW MUKUDZEI OVERCAME A BROKEN BONE

Mukudzei is a bright, spirited little girl just like her mom! And, just like her mom, she was born with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), which causes her bones to soften and break easily. She developed a limp after a particularly bad fracture in her right femur healed incorrectly. It prevents her from standing upright or walking more than a few feet. Thankfully, surgeons and CURE Zimbabwe were able to provide surgical care Mukudzei needs to stand and walk on her own! Because of generous donors to CURE, there is no charge to Mukudzei’s family!