Evolution of the radiographic appearance of the metaphyses over the first year of life in type V osteogenesis imperfecta: clues to pathogenesis.

We present the first report of the development of characteristic radiologic appearances of long bones during the first year of life in an infant with type V osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). We show the evolution of metaphyseal abnormalities from a rickets-like appearance to the classically described dense metaphyseal bands. These abnormalities suggest that the underlying defect in type V OI may involve a molecule common to both bone and cartilage that is involved in the regulation of growth plate development and metadiaphyseal ossification. Our findings provide new insights into skeletal development in type V OI and potentially yield useful clues to the identity of the defect underpinning the condition.