[Standardized x-ray reports of the spine in osteogenesis imperfecta]

Roentgenographic Evaluation of the Spine in Patients With Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a hereditary connective tissue disorder that leads to bone weakness and deformities, especially in the spine, which can lead to poor outcomes.The aim of this study was to find patterns and risk factors in spinal deformities in patients with OI.In a retrospective study, 70 patients with OI were selected. Radiographs of the spine were evaluated. We observed the presence or absence of the following changes: biconcave vertebrae, chest and vertebral deformities, unilateral rib, and thoracolumbar kyphosis. The greater curve was considered the primary one, and the secondary curve considered compensatory.In the study sample, we observed that the patients' ages ranged between 7 and 50 years, with a mean equal to 13 years, and 76% had scoliosis. In 68% of cases the main curve in the thoracic region was observed with the convexity to the right.The following was found in patients with OI: scoliosis, biconcave vertebrae, vertebral and chest deformity, unilateral rib, and thoracolumbar kyphosis. The thoracolumbar kyphosis is highly associated with thoracic hypokyphosis in patients with OI.

Association between joint hypermobility, scoliosis, and cranial base anomalies in paediatric Osteogenesis imperfecta patients: a retrospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Joint hypermobility is a common clinical characteristic of patients with Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a disorder with serious comorbidities of scoliosis and cranial base anomalies. This study aimed at evaluating how prevalent joint hypermobility is in paediatric OI patients, and to find out whether it serves as a potential predictive marker of the different spinal complications; scoliosis and craniovertebral anomalies (basilar impression and basilar invagination).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional one-center study we analysed retrospectively clinical patient records and radiographs of 47 OI patients, aged 1-19 years, some of whom were treated with bisphosphonates. Presence of joint hypermobility, scoliosis, and craniovertebral anomalies was recorded and possible connections between the phenomena were explored with correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Joint hypermobility was found in 70% of the patients. Scoliosis and cranial base anomalies had developed in 26%. The presence of spinal complications was independent of the bisphosphonate treatment status and joint hypermobility.

CONCLUSIONS

Scoliosis and craniovertebral anomalies are strongly associated in paediatric OI patients. Joint hypermobility that is much more common appears, however, to be a poor predictor.