Question
My sister’s child has been unable to stand up straight since they were young, and we thought it was just a body imbalance. It wasn’t until a detailed examination that we found out they have osteogenesis imperfecta and a bit of bow legs. Can osteogenesis imperfecta and bow legs be cured?
Answer
Osteogenesis imperfecta can heal itself. If it persists for a long time, it can interfere with growth and development. If the treatment eliminates the lack of calcium thoroughly, height will not be affected. However, due to issues like frontal bossing, costal deformities, and bow legs caused by calcium deficiency, it is difficult to recover in a short time. Full recovery may take up to two years, and some sequelae of osteogenesis imperfecta may persist. The more severe the condition, the longer the time needed for self-healing, so psychological preparation is necessary. Correction methods such as braces and U-shaped osteotomy at the fibular condyle can be adopted. There are no delayed symptoms, and physical activity can be resumed on the ground during the treatment process, and the lower limb muscles will not atrophy.