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This gene is involved in the heparin/heparin sulfate biosynthesis, cell organization/biogenesis and development of the cytoskeleton in chondrocytes.
Features include always present findings: Multiple exostoses; and sometimes findings: Chondrosarcoma. 13 total HPO annotations.
Data assembled from 7 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 18, 2026, 2:36 PM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
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"
EXT2 encodes exostosin glycosyltransferase 2 (718 aa). Glycosyltransferase forming with EXT1 the heterodimeric heparan sulfate polymerase which catalyzes the elongation of the heparan sulfate glycan backbone. Highest expression in Cells Cultured fibroblasts (101.7 TPM) and Uterus (68.9 TPM).
Exostoses, multiple, type 2 is caused by mutations in the EXT2 gene on chromosome 11.
The EXT2 protein participates in EXT2 V187Pfs*115, Defective EXT2 causes exostoses 2, and Defective EXT1 causes exostoses 1, TRPS2 and CHDS pathways.
EXT2 is classified as a druggable target (Clinically Actionable and Enzyme categories) with score 17.4.
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 EXT2 is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
No approved treatments are currently available for exostoses, multiple, type 2. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
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. |
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 |
Source: GeneReviews — "Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas"
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"
View trials for exostoses, multiple, type 2
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.
No clinical trials have been registered for exostoses, multiple, type 2.
32 publications have been identified in PubMed for exostoses, multiple, type 2. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (38%), Basic Science / Preclinical (22%), and Review / Meta-Analysis (16%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Patient case studies | 12 | 38% |
Laboratory research | 7 | 22% |
Research summaries | 5 | 16% |
Disease patterns and progression | 3 | 9% |
Other research | 2 | 6% |
New treatment approaches | 2 | 6% |
Clinical study results | 1 | 3% |
İğde N (2026). [PMID: 41906835](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41906835/). *Jt Dis Relat Surg*. [Clinical Trial Publication]
Valientes SDA (2026). [PMID: 41751561](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41751561/). *Genes (Basel)*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Yang Y (2026). [PMID: 41882878](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41882878/). *Biosci Trends*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Tsujioka Y (2026). [PMID: 42094029](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42094029/). *Mol Syndromol*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Su L (2026). [PMID: 41918380](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41918380/). *Zhonghua Yi Xue Yi Chuan Xue Za Zhi*. [Gene Therapy / Novel Therapeutics]
Aljesri MA (2026). [PMID: 41938469](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41938469/). *Int J Surg Case Rep*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Chapla D (2026). [PMID: 42638461](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42638461/). *J Histochem Cytochem*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Wang B (2026). [PMID: 42501091](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42501091/). *Mol Genet Genomics*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Mundy C (2026). [PMID: 41389159](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41389159/). *J Orthop Res*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Solc R (2026). [PMID: 42483257](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42483257/). *Indian J Orthop*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
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"
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. |