Which condition is characterized by bones that break easily due to poor quality of bone?

• A. Rheumatoid Arthritis
• B. Osteoporosis
• C. Osteogenesis Imperfecta
• D. Hyperparathyroidism

Answer: (C)

The condition characterized by bones that break easily due to poor quality of bone is Osteogenesis Imperfecta. This genetic disorder affects the body’s ability to produce collagen, which is a critical component of bone structure. As a result, individuals with Osteogenesis Imperfecta have bones that are fragile and more susceptible to fractures, often with little or no trauma.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta can lead to frequent bone breaks throughout a person's life and is often diagnosed in childhood or earlier. The diminished quality of bone is due to the defective collagen, which affects both the strength and density of the bones, contrasting with conditions where bone density might be high but still results in increased fracture risk.

In comparison, Osteoporosis is a condition where bone density decreases, leading to a higher risk of fractures, but it is specifically associated with an age-related loss of bone mass rather than a defect in collagen production. This distinction emphasizes that while both conditions involve fragile bones, the underlying causes and implications for bone quality differ significantly.