Hereditary Multiple Exostoses: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Exostoses are bone growths that are abnormal or different from underlying architecture of bone. It starts near growth centres close to joints. Face and skull are severally unaffected. Hereditary Multiple Exostoses (HME) is a rare genetically transmitted bone dysplasia that is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.
Aim: This paper presents the clinical and radiological features of a six year old boy from South Eastern Nigeria with Hereditary Multiple Exostoses seen in our hospital.
Method: The case record of the patient with Hereditary Multiple Exostoses is presented to highlight the clinical presentation and management options of the condition.
Results: A six year old boy manifested with the features of Hereditary Multiple Exostoses at the age of two. He presented with painless progressive multiple swellings on the trunk, both lower and upper limbs. No deformities were noted. He had no pressure symptoms. Clinical features and Radiographs were diagnostic.
Conclusion: Hereditary Multiple Exostoses with multiple bone spurs exists in our environment, though rare. Treatment still remains watchful waiting, till pressure symptoms develop.

Key words: Hereditary, Multiple Exostoses, Rare Disease