Background
Kevin was born with a rare genetic condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta. This genetic mutation (OI) is also known as brittle bone disease. It affects the quality, composition and formation of bones within the body based on the severity of each case. While there are 8 categories, there is a wide range within each category, namely between mild, moderate and severe.
The most common form is Category 1, where one might not even know about it right away, only once a fracture does not heal properly or there are multiple fractures in the same location. Category 2, on the other hand, is the opposite on the spectrum, where there is a high chance of fatality after birth and most bone structures within the body are affected.
Kevin is in Category 3 or 4, on the moderate to severe end. It is difficult to classify because time will only tell exactly.There are, however, some major indicators that one can look at. From birth, the bluish grey sclera was an obvious sign. The fractures of the long bones in utero and after birth and the bowing of the bones were also indicative of a more severe case. The lag in growth and condition of bones seen on bone density scans offer confirmation.
There is no medicine specifically for the condition, but he is receiving treatment that aims to slow the rate at which the body breaks down the bone it deems inferior and also strengthens the composition of what is newly formed. Another method is to strengthen the muscles around the bones to offer support when putting pressure on the bone. Ironically, bearing weight is an important part of forming bones, but it also can cause the very fractures one is attempting to avoid. Water therapy and physical therapy are also a way to strengthen muscles while reducing the weight placed on the bones during exercises.