Osteogenesis imperfecta. Perspectives.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a heterogenous group of inherited conditions arising from a variety of biochemical and morphological collagen defects. The broad manifestations of abnormalities in bones, teeth, scleri, ligaments, and other collagen-containing tissues point to the heterogeneity of the condition. Diagnosis in the neonatal period is based on clinical characteristics, roentgenograms, and a detailed family history. Treatment is conservative when possible, and particular attention is paid to the social development of the growing child as well as to genetic counseling for parents. Modes and surgical treatment include osteoclasis and percutaneous pinning for long-bone deformities in the infant and, in the child older than two years of age, segmentation and the use of telescoping rods. Surgical treatment of spinal deformity is dependent on the age of the patient and the severity of the condition. Biochemical research is being conducted using direct tissue analyses and analyses of cultured fibroblasts and osteoblasts.