Where Does

Counseling Play A Role

In Lives of Individuals
with OI?
OI has a large impact on the daily life
of an individual. This not only affects
their physical health and abilities, but
also their emotional and social well
being.

As counselors, this may affect the child
or adolescents attendance in school,
social interactions, self-esteem and
self-worth. Daily living is a struggle for
those with OI and this requires a large
amount of medical attention and
prevention.

Our job is to have an understanding
for the impact that OI has on an
individual & know what the resources
are available for not only them, but us
as well. In the school setting, it is vital
for us to be a support for this student
and accommodate them as needed.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation
http://www.oif.org/site/PageServer
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00051
Brittle Bone Society
http://www.brittlebone.org


Osteogenesis
Imperfecta

Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Taylor Wyatt
COUN 630
Spring 2014
An Informational Guide of
Causes, Treatment, Resources
for Working With Individuals
with Brittle Bone Disease
(Brittle Bone Disease)
RESOURCES &
REFERENCES
Childrens Brittle Bone Foundation
www.cbbf.org
This site helps support those affected by OI by raising
funds to go to research into treatment and prevention
of the disease. They hold events and offer ways to give
to the foundation to continue raising awareness and
money in hopes of finding a cure.

Information for Teens with OI
http://www.oif.org/site/PageServer?pagename=OIF_Te
ens
This resource includes college and career planning for
teens with OI. It includes financial aid resources,
learning how to drive, and information pertaining to
transition from pediatric to adult care.

Guide for Professionals, Individuals & Families
http://www.oif.org/site/DocServer/Medical_Guide_revi
sed_2013.pdf?docID=15641

This contains information about treatment, facts,
precautions, and the various types of OI.



Treatment
There is currently no cure for OI, but there
are treatments that alleviate and assist the
symptoms of the disease.
Types of doctors that an individual with OI
would see include:
Primary Care Physicians
Orthopedists
Endocrenologists
Geneticists
Physiatrists
Physical Therapists

Current treatments are focusing on
minimization of fractures, maximizing
mobility, and increasing independent function
and general health.

Treatments Include:
Physical Therapy
Medications to strengthen bones
Support braces for legs, ankles, knees,
and wrists
Orthopedic surgery
Spinal Fusion (for scoliosis)
Metal Rodding (enforces the bone and
lessens the number of fractures)
Casts, splints, or wraps
Mobility aids (canes, walkers,
wheelchairs) for independence
What Is Brittle
Bone Disease?
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is
defined a genetic disorder
characterized by fragile bones that
break easily.

Other Symptoms of OI include:
Muscle Weakness
Hearing Loss
Fatigue
Joint Laxity
Curving Bones
Scoliosis
Blue Sclerae (blue tint to
the whites of eyes)
Brittle Teeth
Short Stature
Breathing problems
Bleeding & Bruising easily
There are 8 types of OI that range
in severity and are based on
specific medical problems a person
will encounter.
Causes
OI is caused by a mutation on
the gene that affects production
of collagen in bones & other
tissue. This genetic mutation
impairs the bodys ability to
make strong bones.
School Resources
Primary School
http://www.brittlebone.org/assets
/files/87045%20Advice%20For%20
Primary%20Schools(1).pdf

Secondary School
http://www.brittlebone.org/assets
/files/87045%20Advice%20For%20
Secondary%20Schools.pdf

Including Children & Adolescents
with OI in Physical Education
http://www.brittlebone.org/assets/fil
es/87045%20Including%20Children
%20In%20PE.pdf


6 to 7 per 100,000 people
worldwide are affected by OI