Surgery for Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Children

Orthopedic specialists at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone may recommend surgery to prevent bones from becoming misshapen as they heal from repeated fractures. Our doctors can also surgically correct complications of osteogenesis imperfecta, such as the abnormal curvature of the spine caused by scoliosis or kyphosis.

For children who are still growing and have had repeated fractures of the same bones, our orthopedic surgeons may recommend a procedure known as rodding surgery. This surgery helps to prevent repeated fractures of the long bones in the arms and legs and ensures that these bones heal correctly.

In rodding surgery, which is performed using general anesthesia, the surgeon corrects the bone deformity and uses a special type of metal rod to properly align the bone. After surgery, your child may need a cast or a splint for two to four weeks to enable the bone to heal completely.

Your child remains in the hospital until he or she is comfortable and able to climb in and out of bed. Our physical therapists may provide assistive devices, such as crutches, to help your child during his or her recovery at home. After the cast or splint is removed, our physical therapists can recommend exercises to help your child improve mobility and strength in the affected limb.