About Brittle Bone Diseases And Treatments
Diseases Diseases

About Brittle Bone Diseases And Treatments

Published at 04/06/2012 18:21:00

Introduction

About Brittle Bone Diseases And Treatments

Brittle bone diseases can be defined as genetic disorders usually resulting from abnormalities of the genes, which control the production of a protein called Collagen.

Collagen is a group of naturally occurring proteins. It is found in animals especially in the flesh and connectivity tissues of mammals.

They are rare and are usually inherited disorders

History

In Biological terms, Brittle bone diseases are referred to as Osteogenesis Imperfecta. They are common diseases causing fractures in childhood. They also cause fractures in adults.

There are four types of Brittle bone diseases. These types of diseases are classified according to the severity of the condition. There signs and symptoms may vary from one person to another.

The following are the basic types of Brittle bone diseases;

Type 1 Osteogegenesis Imperfecta

The collagen being produced here is of normal quality; however the amount being produced is too high.

It is the most common type of Brittle bone diseases and the mildest.

The bones in type 1 fracture easily.

Types 1 Osteogenesis Imperfecta are more common in children.

Type 11 Osteogenesis Imperfecta

It is considered the most severe of this disease.

The collagen being produced by the body with this type is both poor in quality and quantity.

Newborns and children are severely affected by this disease.

Type 111 Osteogenesis Imperfecta

The collagen being produced with this type is of the right amount but is of poor quality.

Bone fractures also occur with this type. Fractures happen at birth. The affected person appears small in terms of stature.

Type IV Osteogenesis Imperfecta

This type of brittle bone diseases are characterized by poor quality and sufficient amount of collagen. In terms of severity, it is situated between type I and type III.

The fractures commonly occur before the onset of puberty.

TREATMENT

There is no cure for Brittle bone diseases. No such medication of surgery can be utilized to cure the disease. The physician can only base the treatment from the severity of the disease and the patient’s preferences. The physician can also base the treatment from patient’s current condition and age.

Treatment for brittle bone diseases therefore is to prevent the symptoms that occur. This can be done by avoiding extreme or contact sports and vigorous activities.

Features

Bones fracture easily in Type I brittle bone diseasesType one brittle bone diseases are more common in children.Type II brittle bone diseases are considered the most severe.Those affected mostly by Type II brittle bone diseases are newborns and children.The affected persons appear small in terms of stature.Fractures may also occur before the onset of puberty.

Tips and comments

The patient is recommended to consult a dentist to correct and prevent dental problems.

A physical therapist may also be necessary to provide the patient exercises to strengthen the bones and prevent injuries.

You can also use assistive devices such as braces, canes and wheelchairs to prevent brittle bone diseases.

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