Osteogenesis imperfecta

Last revised by Tariq Walizai on 18 Jul 2024

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) refers to a heterogeneous group of congenital, non-sex-linked, genetic disorders of collagen type I production, involving connective tissues and bones. 

The hallmark feature of osteogenesis imperfecta is osteoporosis and fragile bones that fracture easily, as well as, blue sclera, dental fragility and hearing loss. There is extreme variation in clinical symptoms based on genetic basis and subtypes. Osteogenesis imperfecta affects both bone quality and quantity (i.e. bone mass).

The estimated incidence is approximately 1 in every 12,000-15,000 births 2. Osteogenesis imperfecta occurs with equal frequency among males and females and across races and ethnic groups. The lifespan varies with the type (see osteogenesis imperfecta classification).

The clinical presentation of osteogenesis imperfecta is highly variable, ranging from a mild form with no deformity, normal stature and few fractures to a form that is lethal during the perinatal period. 

In general, four major clinical features characterize osteogenesis imperfecta 5:

  1. osteoporosis with abnormal bone fragility

  2. blue sclera

  3. dentinogenesis imperfecta

  4. hearing impairment

Other features include ligamentous laxity and hypermobility of joints, short stature and easy bruising.

A fundamental pathology in osteogenesis imperfecta is a disturbance in the synthesis of type I collagen, which is the predominant protein of the extracellular matrix of most tissues. In bone, this defect results in osteoporosis, thus increasing the tendency to fracture. Besides bone, type I collagen is also a major constituent of dentin, sclerae, ligaments, blood vessels and skin 4.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is the result of a mutation in one of the two genes that carry instructions for making type 1 collagen. Mutations in the COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes, which encode the α1 and α2 polypeptide chains 7, are responsible for >90% of all cases.

Depending on the type, the inheritance of the disorder can be autosomal dominant (>95%), autosomal recessive (<10%) or by sporadic mutation 2,6,7.

The first classification of osteogenesis imperfecta was by Looser, in 1906 who divided the condition into two forms, osteogenesis imperfecta congenita (also known as Vrolik disease) and osteogenesis imperfecta tarda (also known as Ekman-Lobstein disease).

Since then newer classification systems were based on work by Sillence and colleagues in 1979, have taken into account the phenotypic features and the mode of inheritance. This has since been revised and up to eight forms of osteogenesis imperfecta have been identified.

Three main types are easily distinguished

  1. mild: type I

  2. perinatal lethal: type II

  3. progressive deforming: type III

Types IV to VIII are variable in severity and uncommon (see osteogenesis imperfecta classification for further detail).

This is the preferred initial examination.

The prenatal sonographic features are often useful in type II (perinatal) and type III forms.

  • may show hypomineralization of the fetal calvarium

    • decreased sound wave attenuation and abnormally increased visualization of fetal brain detail

    • the skull may deform/compress with transducer pressure

  • may show evidence of fractures 

    • long bones may appear shortened and/or angulated as a result

    • there may be a sonographic gap along the length of a long bone 

    • ribs may have a beaded appearance

  • there may be the presence of polyhydramnios 8

While showing most of the plain film features, CT may also better demonstrate:

  • can be used to assess the extent of basilar invagination

Prognosis is very variable depending on type ranging from being uniformly lethal from type II to a slight reduction in life expectancy for type I.

Management options for non-lethal types include:

  • surgical correction of deformities and the prevention of fractures

    • intramedullary rods with osteotomy are used to correct severe bowing of the long bones

    • intramedullary rods are also recommended for children who repeatedly fracture long bones

    • different types of rods (surgical nails) are available to address issues related to surgery, bone size, and the prospect for growth; the two major categories of rods are telescopic and non-telescopic 2

  • bisphosphonates

  • growth hormone therapy

General considerations on pediatric plain films include:

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