The girl with glass bones....

Let me introduce you all to osteogenesis imperfecta. Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a genetic defect in which children are born with a collagen malfunction. This results in children who literally can fracture a bone by being touched. If you are interested you can learn more by visiting www.oif.org
I have the pleasure of having a darling 4-year-old girl as my patient who has OI, Type III (which is the most severe). Children with OI of this type rarely reach a height of greater than 3 feet 6 inches. Little Lilly just had surgery to stop the rotation of the long bones in her legs so she can be as functional as possible.
Meeting Lilly was a joy. The first thing she told me was that she could do a flip and a headstand. I almost fell down, not because I was surprised but because I was terrified that this little 'porcelain doll' child would do this and break something. As a therapist you NEVER want anyone to be hurt on your watch, be that in the clinic or at home.....you never want to hear they fall, etc.
I am SO looking forward to working with little Lilly although I will likely be terrified and hovering around her. A lot of times PT's don't even want to touch these children as a playful pat on the back could cause a fracture of their spine.
That sad thing about Lilly is that the county services of which she qualifies for are not able to provide services for therapy for her, she is wait-listed and has been so for 3 months! This little girl NEEDS therapy and it is just a shame to see the condition of the health care system.....
Because Lilly is a rare form and is doing SO well I may ask her parent's permission to publish a case report about her as I have had very little luck finding PT articles about OI. If I am able I will post some updates and pictures as I know she will melt your heart!