Osteotomies and Rodding in Patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

A surgical procedure in which metal rods are placed into the long bones of the upper and lower extremities (rodding) is used to treat some individuals with OI. This surgery may be necessary in patients who experience progressive of a bone or if a bone fractures repeatedly. Rodding of the forearms is typically reserved for patients where deformities significantly impair function. The timing of surgery, type of rod used (expandable or non-expandable) and the aftercare is very individualized and should be discussed thoroughly between the surgeon and parents or adult with OI.