{"id":51258,"date":"2026-05-04T09:57:48","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T07:57:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/schuchmann.de\/?p=51258"},"modified":"2026-05-04T10:30:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T08:30:06","slug":"wishbone-day-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/schuchmann.de\/en\/wishbone-day-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Wishbone Day 2026: Toni’s life with Osteogenesis Imperfecta"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today, 6 May, is Wishbone Day, the international day dedicated to raising awareness of Osteogenesis Imperfecta<\/a> (OI). This condition, commonly known as brittle bone disease, is a rare genetic disorder often characterised by bone fractures. In most cases, Osteogenesis Imperfecta (literally: \u2018imperfectly formed bones\u2019) is caused by mutations in genes that affect the structure of type I collagen or whose proteins\u200b\u200b interact directly with type I collagen. Mutations in many other genes that are important for normal bone formation and function can also cause OI.<\/p>\n

OI affects bones and connective tissue throughout the body. The severity varies greatly, ranging from short stature, deformed bones, blue sclerae and even brittle teeth to benign cases in which those affected lead a normal life, with only a few fractures during childhood.<\/p>\n

The treatment of OI is based on three pillars: medication with bisphosphonates, muscle strengthening through physiotherapy and physical activity, and stabilisation of the bones from within via intramedullary nailing.<\/p>\n

We are using Wishbone Day as an opportunity to raise awareness of this rare condition. For this reason, we interviewed Anna-Lena Burhorst. She is the mother of three children. Her youngest son, Toni (5), has Osteogenesis Imperfecta. In the following interview, however, it quickly becomes clear that the diagnosis does not in any way prevent Toni from being a cheerful boy and that the family still leads a happy life.<\/p>\n

Mrs Burhorst, how did you find out that Toni has brittle bone disease?<\/h4>\n

\u201cI already sensed during my pregnancy that something was wrong with my child. At the 20-week ultrasound, the gynaecologist then noted that the baby was small for its gestational age. That\u2019s when the search for the cause began. Initially, various diagnoses were on the table; OI was one of them. According to the doctor, however, it was very unlikely. Finally, during the ultrasound scan in the 32nd week of pregnancy, I could see that Toni\u2019s thigh had been fractured several times. This meant the diagnosis of OI was 90% certain. Toni was born by caesarean section in the 35th week of pregnancy. At just 13 months old, he had to undergo his first operation, during which he also received his first growing nails.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

How does the condition affect Toni\u2019s and your family\u2019s daily life?<\/h4>\n

\u201cThe condition naturally has a huge impact on our daily family life. As Toni has already suffered 107 broken bones, I\u2019m in hospital with him very often, and it\u2019s always at a moment\u2019s notice. I still remember one situation clearly when Toni\u2019s older siblings came home from nursery and I was suddenly no longer there. That was awful for them. Even after hospital stays, Toni can\u2019t go straight back to nursery, so I can\u2019t go to work either.<\/p>\n

As for Toni, I try to let him grow up as much as possible like any healthy 5-year-old child. He should climb, have fun, run about, even if there\u2019s always the risk of broken bones. My motto is: better a childhood with broken bones than no childhood at all.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Does Toni use any aids because of his osteogenesis imperfecta, and if so, which ones?<\/h4>\n

\u201cYes, Toni uses various rehabilitation aids. Among other things, we have a wheelchair, a malte.<\/em><\/a> walking trainer and a momo tricycle.<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n

The malte.<\/em> is important for Toni for two reasons: firstly, after his operations, he literally has to get back on his feet. The malte helps him with this in the early stages. Secondly, the walking trainer is his \u2018safe space\u2019 at nursery. This way, the other children can\u2019t accidentally run into him or bump into him.<\/p>\n

We are absolutely thrilled with the momo tricycle.<\/em> Toni loves cycling, and without a momo tricycle.<\/em> tailored entirely to his needs, this wouldn\u2019t be possible for him. Toni\u2019s momo tricycle.<\/em> is fully equipped with pelvic and trunk supports, harnesses and footrests. The supports keep him secure on the bike and the footrests help him pedal. Toni will probably need a pedal riser soon as well, as his legs are different lengths due to the many operations.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n