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Health library/Osteogenesis imperfecta

Rare skeletal disorders / RARE CONDITION

Osteogenesis imperfecta

Also known as: Brittle bone disease, Fragilitas ossium, OI, Vrolik disease

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a group of inherited disorders causing bone fragility. Severity ranges from occasional fractures to major skeletal and respiratory complications.

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What you may notice

Symptoms can overlap with other conditions and vary between people.

  • Fractures after minor trauma
  • Bone deformity
  • Short stature in some forms
  • Hearing or dental problems in some people

Understanding care

Clinical care may include specialist bone assessment, safe mobility support and monitoring of associated complications. A qualified clinician decides which investigations and options fit the individual situation.

When to seek help

Suspected fracture, new neurological weakness or breathing difficulty needs prompt care. Procedures and mobility decisions should be discussed with the team familiar with the diagnosis.

For severe breathing difficulty, collapse, suspected stroke, or another emergency, call local emergency services immediately. In India, call 112.

Read the medical sources

These sources support the educational article and offer more detail.

Educational reading · Updated 6 October 2026

Prepared from the linked sources. This summary has not had an independent clinician review. A qualified clinician can assess symptoms and explain which information applies to you.

A child and a caring grown-up reading a picture book together

LITTLE PEOPLE. BIG FEELINGS.

It’s okay to have
a lot of questions.

A doctor visit or an unfamiliar health word can feel scary. You can ask a trusted grown-up to help you understand, one small question at a time.

01

Say how you feel.

“I feel worried” is a good place to start.

02

Ask for simple words.

“Can you explain that in a way I understand?”

03

Bring someone you trust.

A caring adult can help you ask and listen.

For children and their grown-ups. This illustration explains a conversation, not a diagnosis. An adult should seek qualified care for a child who is unwell.

Osteogenesis imperfecta — First AID health library