Ace the ADEX Dental Hygiene Exam 2026 – Sparkle Your Smile and Your Career!

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), which is the correct answer, is a genetic disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily, often with little or no apparent cause. This condition, commonly referred to as “brittle bone disease,” results from a defect in the production of collagen, which is a crucial protein in the body’s connective tissue that provides strength and structure to bones.

People with OI may experience multiple fractures throughout their lives, sometimes even during routine activities. The inheritance pattern of osteogenesis imperfecta can be autosomal dominant, meaning only one copy of the mutated gene from one parent can cause the disorder, or it can also be inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, requiring two copies of the mutated gene.

Other options, while related to bone health, do not primarily feature the delicate nature of bones as a defining characteristic. Hypophosphatasia is a rare genetic disorder affecting the metabolism of phosphate and is primarily linked to insufficient mineralization of bones. Cleidocranial dysplasia is a skeletal disorder affecting the development of the bones and teeth but is not primarily characterized by fragile bones. Hypoparathyroidism involves low hormone levels affecting calcium regulation, but it does not result in the hallmark feature of frequent fractures