By Grace Lehnerdt and Sarah James The Skeletal System By Grace Lehnerdt and Sarah James

Main Functions of the Skeletal System The main point of our skeletal system is support and to keep us upright. Without our skeleton, we’d look like the picture on the right.

More functions The skeleton protects our vital organs, for example your skull protects your brain. Bones provide structure for our muscles so that we can move. The skeletal system provides the birthplace for new red and white blood cells, in your bone marrow.

Diseases related to the Skeletal System And how they occur

There are many, many different types of diseases related to bones, such as: Leukaemia, Osteoporosis, Spina bifida, Arthritis, Talipes equinovarus, Poliomyelitis, Kyphosis, Tendinitis, just to name a few. The specific two that we have chosen to talk to you about today, though, are Scoliosis and Osteogenesis Imperfecta (brittle-bone disease).

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Info on Osteogenesis Imperfecta You cannot contract OI. You are either born with it or you’re not. There are 8 different types of OI. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a hereditary disorder categorized by bones that break easily, often from little or no obvious cause. A classification system of different types of OI is normally used to help describe how severely a person with OI is affected. For example, a person may have just a few or as many as several hundred fractures in a lifetime. Sclera (whites of the eyes) usually have a blue, purple, or gray tint. Brittle teeth possible. Shorter than average stature. Bone has a “mesh-like” appearance when viewed under the microscope.  The alkaline phosphatase (an enzyme linked to bone formation) activity level is slightly elevated in OI Type VI. This can be determined by a blood test. 

Myths about OI Myth: A baby with OI should always be carried on a pillow and discouraged from moving. Fact: Although there are handling techniques and precautions, it is in the child’s best interest to be held and touched and to explore independent movement to the greatest extent possible. Immobility increases bone loss and decreases muscle mass, leading to weakness, bone fragility, and more fractures.

Myth: Fractures caused by OI can be easily distinguished from those caused by child abuse. Fact: Children with OI can have all types of fractures, including spiral, rib, skull, incomplete, and displaced fractures. Distinguishing OI fractures from child abuse requires a thorough assessment by a medical professional who is familiar with the full range of OI characteristics. Myth: OI only affects the bones. Fact: Though fragile bones are the hallmark of OI, other medical problems, including loose joints, early hearing loss, brittle teeth, respiratory problems, and easy bruising are also part of the disorder.

Myth: OI is a childhood disorder; people grow out of it by their teens. Fact: OI is a genetic disorder that is present throughout a person’s lifetime. The frequency of fractures may decrease after puberty, when growth stops. Later, it may increase again in women with the onset of menopause and in men due to age-related changes in their endocrine system. Myth: OI is a childhood disorder; people grow out of it by their teens. Fact: OI is a genetic disorder that is present throughout a person’s lifetime. The frequency of fractures may decrease after puberty, when growth stops. Later, it may increase again in women with the onset of menopause and in men due to age-related changes in their endocrine system.

Myth: People with OI are diagnosed at birth. Fact: OI can be diagnosed at different times. It can be discovered during pregnancy or at birth. It can be discovered when the infant, toddler or young child has unexplained broken bones or later in life when an adult has unusually low bone density for his or her age. OI Type I, the most common and mildest form of OI, is rarely diagnosed at birth unless a parent has OI. Some very mild cases are only diagnosed when a person has a child with OI Type I, and a review of the person’s medical history reveals a pattern of fractures and other features of OI. OI is primarily a clinical diagnosis. Collagen studies and/or DNA analysis can identify the mutation and confirm the clinical diagnosis. Negative results on these tests do not eliminate the diagnosis of OI.

S C O L I

Scoliosis Facts Scoliosis is a progressive state causing the spine to curve or twist into a “C” or “S”shape. Patients with scoliosis don’t usually show many symptoms. It is frequently diagnosed when someone notices a mild skeletal asymmetry such as uneven shoulders, waistline inconsistencies or a rib or shoulder-blade prominence. Scoliosis appears most often in adolescent girls and has shown a tendency to run in families. Despite some popular beliefs, scoliosis does not result from carrying heavy items, athletic involvement, sleeping/standing postures, or minor lower limb length inequality. It is not life changing in all cases; Sarah has it, and a quote directly from her, “It doesn’t hurt yet my body isn’t balanced. The previous slide was my X-ray.”

So how do I keep my bones healthy?

To make your bones as strong and healthy as possible, you need 1,300 mg of calcium each day. For females, remember that having regular menstrual periods is important to prevent osteoporosis. See a physician if you are older than 16 and have never menstruated or if you have begun to menstruate but have noticed changes in your cycle. Engaging in weight bearing exercises like jogging or walking also will help make your bones stronger. Just try to be cautious generally and not injure yourself!

Just remember- The toe bone’s connected to the foot bone, the foot bones connected to the ankle bone the ankle bones connected to the leg bone, the leg bones connected to the hip bone, the hip bones connected to the back bone, the back bones connected to the neck bone and the neck bones connected to the head bone! THANK YOU!!!