Part 2. Osteogenesis imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), the most common genetic disorder of bone, is characterized by frequent, unpredictable fractures of the long bones with progressive skeletal deformity. Often diagnosed in the early years of life, OI requires a comprehensive, interdisciplinary plan of care involving patient, family, and community. The nurse's role as caregiver, educator, and patient advocate is to foster normal physical and psychosocial growth and development and minimize the opportunity for fracture.