Osteogenesis imperfecta foundation

About OI

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a genetic bone disorder characterised by fragile bones that break easily.

OI Informational Factsheets – OI Foundation

It is also known as brittle bone disease. A person is born with this disorder and is affected throughout their lifetime.

OI is a disorder of collagen, a protein which forms the framework for the bone structure. In OI the collagen may be of poor quality, or there just may not be enough to support the mineral structure of the bones. This makes the bones weak and fragile and results in the bones being liable to fracture at any time, even without trauma.

OI is a rare condition and it is estimated that the number of people born with the condition is approximately 1 in every 15,000: that equates to around 5000 individuals in the UK living with OI.

What causes the condition?

OI is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the production of collagen, which can be found throughout the body, especially in a person’s bones and other tissues Support Networks – OI Foundation KOQI