Glossary / Lexicon

Brittle bone disease refers to a disease caused by an abnormality in the collagen protein that the body requires for bones as well as other structures, such as teeth, ligaments and skin. The condition often leads to an increased likelihood of fractures, as well as fragile teeth, lax joints, bruising and blue or grey sclera (whites of eyes). Some people with brittle bone disease develop deafness and some have short stature. Brittle Bone Disease is also known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI).