Hereditary multiple exostoses
Definition
Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) refers to a group of disorders characterized by abnormal bone growth. The major symptom is the development of nodules (bumps) on various bones of the body. Exostoses may produce pain and other complications by pressing on nearby tissue, they may limit movement of joints, and in some cases they must be surgically removed.
Description
An exostosis is a benign (non-cancerous) bony growth. This does not refer to a normally shaped bone that has simply grown larger than normal. Rather, an exostosis is a bump, or nodule, on a bone, usually with overlying cartilage. That is why HME is sometimes referred to as the "bumpy bones" disease. Other names for the disorder include multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE), multiple cartilaginous exostoses,...
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