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Living with X-linked osteoporosis with fractures

A rare inherited bone condition in which thin, fragile bones cause repeated fractures starting in childhood.

Understanding X-linked osteoporosis with fractures

X-linked osteoporosis with fractures is a rare genetic bone condition with childhood-onset osteoporosis.

It leads to repeated fractures of long bones and spine bones, a loss of height in adulthood, and low bone density scores. GARD says there are no other abnormalities. Females with one changed copy may be unaffected or milder.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a common-symptom list, but its summary describes these:

  • Thin, fragile bones (osteoporosis)
  • Repeated long bone fractures
  • Spine compression fractures
  • Height loss in adulthood
  • Low bone density

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in PLS3 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Could PLS3 genetic testing confirm the diagnosis?
What can help protect bones and prevent fractures?
Which specialist should follow bone health?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startChild
InheritanceX-Linked
GenesPLS3

X-linked osteoporosis with fractures is caused by changes in the PLS3 gene and follows X-linked inheritance.

Genetic

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · X-linked osteoporosis with fracturesGARD ID 17614 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with X-linked osteoporosis with fractures.

Explore the X-linked osteoporosis with fractures blog

Explore research for X-linked osteoporosis with fractures

Explore actively recruiting X-linked osteoporosis with fractures studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for X-linked osteoporosis with fractures with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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