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Any exostoses, multiple in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the EXT1 gene.
Features include always present findings: Multiple exostoses; and sometimes findings: Chondrosarcoma. 13 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Bones and joints | 2 | Pelvic bone exostoses, Protuberances at ends of long bones |
Growth and development | 1 | Short stature |
Brain and nerves | 1 | Cervical myelopathy |
Hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMO) (also known as multiple hereditary exostoses [MHE]) is characterized by growths of multiple osteochondromas. Shortened stature compared to unaffected family members and angular deformities of the forearms and legs are common. The risk for malignant degeneration to osteochondrosarcoma increases with age, although the lifetime risk for malignant degeneration is low (~2%-10%). To date, more than 1,000 individuals with a pathogenic variant in EXT1 or EXT2 have been identified. The following description of the phenotypic features associated with this condition is based on these reports. Table 2. Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas: Frequency of Select Features
Feature | % of Persons w/Feature | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Osteochondromas | 100% | More lesions in persons w/EXT1-related HMO than in those w/EXT2-related HMO1 Shortened stature |
More pronounced in persons w/EXT1-related HMO than EXT2-related HMO2 Angular deformities of forearms or legs | 40%-74%3 | — |
Leg length discrepancy | 10%-50%4 | — |
Chondrosarcoma | 2%-10%5 | Predominantly localized to pelvis, scapula, proximal femur, humerus; typically solitary, low-grade lesions HMO = hereditary multiple osteochondromas 1. , , 2. 3. , , , , 4. , , 5. Onset. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas"
EXT1 encodes exostosin glycosyltransferase 1 (746 aa). Glycosyltransferase forming with EXT2 the heterodimeric heparan sulfate polymerase which catalyzes the elongation of the heparan sulfate glycan backbone. Highest expression in Artery Aorta (72.2 TPM) and Cells Cultured fibroblasts (49.8 TPM).
Exostoses, multiple, type 1 is caused by mutations in the EXT1 gene on chromosome 8.
The EXT1 protein participates in EXT1 mutants:EXT2, EXT1:EXT2 mutants, and Defective EXT1 causes exostoses 1, TRPS2 and CHDS pathways.
EXT1 is classified as a druggable target (Clinically Actionable and Enzyme categories) with score 0.0.
No clinically relevant genotype-phenotype correlations for EXT1 or EXT2 have been identified.
Source: GeneReviews — "Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas"
The penetrance is estimated to be 96% in females and 100% in males . Most published instances of reduced penetrance have occurred in females. However, comprehensive skeletal radiographs have not been performed in most of these instances.
Source: GeneReviews — "Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas"
No consensus clinical diagnostic criteria for hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMO) have been published.
HMO should be suspected in individuals with the following radiographic features and/or family history.
Source: GeneReviews — "Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas"
Solitary osteochrondroma. Skeletal surveys suggest that a solitary osteochondroma, a common benign bone tumor, can be found in 1%-2% of the population . Solitary osteochondromas demonstrate growth patterns similar to those of multiple osteochondromas. Conditions that may be confused with a solitary osteochondroma include juxtacortical osteosarcoma, extraskeletal osteosarcoma, and heterotopic ossification. Plain radiographs or CT are often helpful in distinguishing these lesions from osteochondromas. Typically, none of these conditions display the continuity of cancellous and cortical bone from the host bone to the lesion characteristic of hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMO). Genetic conditions in which multiple osteochondromas occur are summarized in . Table 3. Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas: Differential Diagnosis
Gene/ Genetic Mechanism | Disorder | MOI | Distinguishing Features of Disorder |
|---|---|---|---|
Contiguous 8q23.3-q24.11 deletion syndrome involving EXT1, RAD21, TRPS1 | Trichorhinophalangeal dysplasia type II (Langer-Giedion syndrome) (See Trichorhinophalangeal Syndrome.) | AD | ID |
Characteristic craniofacial digital anomalies Contiguous 11p11.2 deletion involving ALX4, EXT2, PHF21A1 |
Genetic testing for EXT1 is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
No approved treatments are currently available for exostoses, multiple, type 1. An additional 1 compound holds orphan drug designation.
While no drugs are FDA-approved specifically for exostoses, multiple, type 1, some of the following designated compounds may be used off-label in clinical practice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a specialist familiar with this condition.
The following drugs have received orphan drug designation from the FDA for exostoses, multiple, type 1. Orphan designation reflects regulatory interest and does not indicate approval for treatment.
Brand Name | Generic Name | Sponsor | Designated | Exclusivity End | Designation Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
palovarotene | palovarotene | Clementia Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 2017 | — | Withdrawn |
No clinical practice guidelines for hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMO) (also known as multiple hereditary exostoses [MHE]) have been published. In the absence of published guidelines, the following recommendations are based on the authors' personal experience managing individuals with this disorder. Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with HMO, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 4. Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas: Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Genetic counseling | By genetics professionals4 | To obtain a pedigree inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI, implications of HMO to facilitate medical personal decision making HMO = hereditary multiple osteochondromas; MOI = mode of inheritance 1. , 2. |
A clinical trial of the retinoic acid receptor gamma agonist palovarotene for individuals younger than age 14 years with HMO was terminated secondary to concerns for early growth plate closure in a study utilizing the same drug for fibrodysplasia dissecans progressiva. Roneparstat, a potent low-molecular-weight heparin derivative and inhibitor of enzyme heparinase, has also been investigated, as preclinical studies have shown that the drug can inhibit chondrogenesis, which is the initial step of osteochondroma development. However, no clinical studies have occurred. Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas"
3 trials found
To monitor existing manifestations, the individual's response to supportive care, and the emergence of new manifestations, the evaluations summarized in are recommended. Table 6. Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas: Recommended Surveillance
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency/Comment |
|---|---|---|
Skeletal/neurologic manifestations | Consider clinical assessment for deformity, motor impairment, pain, neurologic manifestations, /or other clinical manifestations. | There is currently no accepted timeline for this surveillance. Osteochondromas involving pelvis or |
scapula | Radiographs, CT, MRI, PET, /or technicium-99 radionuclide imaging to monitor growth of osteochondromas may aid in early identification of malignant transformation. MRI remains the gold standard. CT may be used in situations where MRI cannot be obtained quickly without sedation. | In adults, optimal screening intervals have not been determined, nor has an imaging modality shown particular superiority. |
involving spine | Spine MRI to identify spinal lesions that may cause pressure on spinal cord1 | Consider in children w/close clinical follow up for any osteochondromas in canal, encroaching lesions, those causing symptoms that may merit excision.2 Typically repeat imaging is only required in those who develop new neurologic deficits. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas"
Phenotype severity distribution: 1 always present feature.
3 clinical trials registered, 3 recruiting. Interventions under study include other interventions and procedural interventions. Research is primarily sponsored by academic and government institutions.
27 publications have been identified in PubMed for exostoses, multiple, type 1. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (35%), Review / Meta-Analysis (19%), and Basic Science / Preclinical (19%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Patient case studies | 9 | 35% |
Research summaries | 5 | 19% |
Laboratory research | 5 | 19% |
New treatment approaches | 3 | 12% |
Disease patterns and progression | 2 | 8% |
Other research | 1 | 4% |
Clinical study results | 1 | 4% |
de Pinho Montovani P (2026). [PMID: 40958590](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40958590/). *J Oral Pathol Med*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Oppusunggu PP (2026). [PMID: 42130593](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42130593/). *Int J Surg Case Rep*. [Case Report / Case Series]
İğde N (2026). [PMID: 41906835](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41906835/). *Jt Dis Relat Surg*. [Clinical Trial Publication]
Su L (2026). [PMID: 41918380](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41918380/). *Zhonghua Yi Xue Yi Chuan Xue Za Zhi*. [Gene Therapy / Novel Therapeutics]
Niwa A (2026). [PMID: 40936489](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40936489/). *Histol Histopathol*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Yang Y (2026). [PMID: 41882878](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41882878/). *Biosci Trends*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Mundy C (2026). [PMID: 42070715](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42070715/). *Bone*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Tsujioka Y (2026). [PMID: 42094029](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42094029/). *Mol Syndromol*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Mundy C (2026). [PMID: 41389159](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41389159/). *J Orthop Res*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Valientes SDA (2026). [PMID: 41751561](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41751561/). *Genes (Basel)*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Data assembled from 9 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 20, 2026, 8:40 AM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
AD |
Parietal foramina ossification defects of the skull (See Enlarged Parietal Foramina.); Craniofacial abnormalities, syndactyly, ID in some affected persons ACVR1 |
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva | AD | Congenital malformations of great toes thumbs; Progressive heterotopic ossification; Spontaneous "flare ups" of pain swelling in soft tissues, particularly neck shoulders | — |
PTPN11 | Metachondromatosis (OMIM 156250) | AD | Assoc w/both osteochondromas intraosseous enchondromas; Tumors occur predominantly in digits, point toward nearby joint, do not cause shortening or bowing of long bone, joint deformity, or subluxation. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas"
Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas: Treatment of Manifestations Manifestation/Concern |
Treatment |
Considerations/Other |
Asymptomatic osteochondromas | No therapy required in absence of clinical problems | Though uncomplicated resection of osteochondromas in growing children is frequently reported,1 it is assoc w/theoretic risk of growth abnormality. |
Painful osteochondromas w/o bony deformity | Simple surgical excision most often resolves symptoms | Must include cartilage cap overlying perichondrium to avoid recurrence |
Leg-length inequalities | Leg length discrepancy is often treated w/epiphysiodesis (growth plate arrest) of longer leg. | — |
Tibiotalar tilt | Early surgical treatment may prevent or decrease incidence of late deterioration of ankle function.7 | Long-term follow-up studies are needed. |
Sarcomatous transformation | Surgical resection | Adjuvant radiotherapy chemotherapy are seldom used for chondrosarcomas. However, chemotherapy is often used w/secondary osteosarcoma. 1. , , 2. , , , , 3. , , 4. , , , , , , 5. , 6. , , , , , , , , 7. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas"