Hyderabad:  Doctors at Gleneagles Global Hospital, Lakdi-ka-pul, treated a 11 year old boy from Yemen, suffering from a hereditary disease known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). The little boy had been bed ridden for the past 5 years, as his limbs were bent into a C shape due to a defect in the gene that makes the protein collagen.

 In this medical condition, which is otherwise known as brittle bone disease bones fracture easily.

A month ago, he was brought in for a consultation at Gleneagles Global Hospital, Lakdi-ka-pul. After examination, Dr Venkat Ramana Vemuri, Consultant Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon at Gleneagles Global Hospitals – Lakdi-ka-pul, recommended to treat the 11 year old boy with Corrective Osteotomy and Telescopic Nail Fixation surgery. The treatment of OI requires a multidisciplinary approach to maximize function and reduce fracture incidence.

 

With this surgery, the boy was fitted with rods in his limbs. These Rods will grow along with the bone growth and hence will not cause any complications in the future as the boy grows older. The surgery, which lasted close to 4 hours, fixed the bend in the thighs, legs and arms with the use of telescopic nail rods. In all, 4 rods were fitted in the legs and 2 in the Arms. Postoperatively, the boy was administered with an injection Zolandronic Acid which has to be repeated every 6 months for the rest of his life. These injections are critical to the course of treatment. The first dose was given after the surgical sutures had been removed.

 Dr Venkata Ramana said, “Six months from now, the boy should be able to stand with support and walk with the help of physiotherapy. As long as he is given a bi-yearly injection and is also taking timely medication, he will be able to lead a normal life.”

 OI is a progressive condition that needs life-long management to prevent deformity and complications. An interdisciplinary medical approach is required to maximize a child’s quality of life and ability to function. Taking steps to prevent fractures — along with early, ongoing medical care — will help most people with OI lead healthy, productive lives.