How well a person does depends on the type of OI they have.

• Type I, or mild OI, is the most common form. Persons with this type can live a normal lifespan.
• Type II is a severe form that is usually leads to death in the first year of life.
• Type III is also called severe OI. Persons with this type have many fractures starting very early in life and can have severe bone deformities. Many become wheelchair bound and usually have a somewhat shortened life expectancy.
• Type IV, or moderately severe OI, is similar to type I, although persons with type IV often need braces or crutches to walk. Life expectancy is normal or near normal.

There are other types of OI, but they occur very infrequently and most are considered subtypes of the moderately severe form (type IV).

Complications are largely based on the type of OI present. They are often directly related to the problems with weak bones and multiple fractures.

Complications may include:

• Hearing loss (common in type I and type III)
• Heart failure (type II)
• Respiratory problems and pneumonias due to chest wall deformities
• Spinal cord or brain stem problems
• Permanent deformity

Severe forms are usually diagnosed early in life, but mild cases may not be noted until later in life. Make an appointment with your health care provider if you or your child have symptoms of this condition.

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Pectus excavatum

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Review Date: 08/07/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)