Scanning electron microscopy findings in osteogenesis imperfecta fetalis.

A case of osteogenesis imperfecta fetalis in a stillborn black male infant is described. Scanning electron microscopic studies of the skeleton showed normal intercartilaginous septa in the metaphyses of long bones, covered by uniform, calcifying globules 1 mum in diameter. In the diaphyses, however, the orientation of bone trabeculae was abnormal. The trabeculae were thin, with wide and densely packed osteocytic lacunae, and with more resorbing surfaces than in the control specimens. It is concluded that in osteogenesis imperfecta there is abnormal periosteal ossification, together with increased osteocytic resorption.