HEREDITARY MULTIPLE EXOSTOSES - REPORT OF A FAMILY FROM RIYADH

Hereditary multiple exostoses (diaphyseal aclasis) is a hereditary condition in which, during the period of bone growth, multiple cartilage-capped exostoses appear especially involving long bones near joints. A Saudi family from Riyadh is reported in which the males of three generations are affected, two of whom underwent surgery for disfiguring benign tumours. The lesions of hereditary multiple exostoses appear to carry a small risk of sarcomatous transformation. The exact figure for this occurrence has varied widely in the literature from 3% up to 25% of patients according to various reports. It seems prudent that affected family members should be counselled to seek medical attention promptly if one exostosis demonstrates rapid growth especially after the age when bone growth is usually completed.