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A group of conditions passed through families in which bones break easily, sometimes for no known reason.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is caused by changes to genes that affect how the body makes a protein called collagen that is needed for bone strength. There are a number of types of the condition, ranging from mild to severe.

Symptoms depend on the condition type. Common symptoms include bowing of long bones, short height, a triangular face shape, breathing problems, hearing loss and brittle teeth. Symptoms can be mild, with only a few broken bones in a lifetime. Some people have hundreds of broken bones in their lifetime, including in the womb. Some babies die at birth or shortly after birth.

Treatments include bone-strengthening medicines and occupational and physical therapy. Many children have orthopedic surgery to place metal rods into bones to make the bones stronger.