n. abnormal brittleness or fragility, for example of the hair (fragilitas crinium) or the bones (fragilitas ossium; see osteogenesis imperfecta).
(OI, fragilitas ossium, brittle bone disease) a congenital disorder of connective tissue formation that affects bone, teeth, and soft tissues. It has an estimated incidence of 1 in 20,000 and there are at least eight types, of varying severity, the worst being lethal at birth. Most types are inherited as autosomal *dominant characteristics. In all types the bones are brittle and fracture easily; the *sclerae may be blue and teeth are often deformed. See also dentinogenesis (imperfecta).... osteogenesis imperfecta
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