Most people with OI [Brittle Bone Disease], with support and specialized equipment, can lead active and fulfilled lives.
Patricia Minor author of What Life is Like Living with OI, PublishAmerica: Frederick, MD, (2006)
Brittle bone disease is a skeletal disease characterised by an abnormal fragility of the bones. The collagen (a key component of bones, tendons and skin) is affected and this leads to bones breaking easily – consequently repeated fractures and weak bones may present. Students with brittle bone disease bruise easily and may be thought of as accident-prone. Many students with brittle bone disease are lefthanded owing to a high frequency of fractures to the right hand. Students with brittle bone disease are no more likely to have learning difficulties than the rest of their peers.