We specialize in providing world-class pediatric orthopedic care for children with rare bone disorders.

A rare genetic condition usually passed down from parent to child, multiple hereditary exostosis (MHE), also called hereditary multiple osteochondromas affects bone growth and development. This condition causes abnormal but benign (not cancerous) exostoses (bony growths), or osteochondromas, that vary in size, shape, location and number.

Exostoses typically appear on the legs, arms, fingers, toes, pelvis and shoulders around age 3 or 4 and continue growing until a child reaches maturity.

Because they sometimes sit near joints or the growth center of the bone, bumps caused by MHE can impact range of motion and cause limb deformities. People with MHE tend to be shorter than average and sometimes develop deformity causing bowing of the legs or arms.

Treatment for multiple hereditary exostosis may include surgery to remove the bony growths if they are causing pain or interfering with the alignment of joints.

Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.

We were relieved to find orthopedic specialists who were experienced in treating this rare condition. Our search for the right medical professionals to treat our son ended the day we walked through the doors at Shriners.
Tina, Tampa

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Orthopedic Surgery

With their expertise in treating children from toddlers to teens, the pediatric orthopedic surgeons at Shriners Children’s understand the challenges of planning ahead for growing bones and bodies.

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