Pain and fatigue in adult patients with multiple osteochondromas: The Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: Multiple Osteochondromas (MO) is a rare genetic disorder characterised by the presence of numerous benign bone tumours, known as osteochondromas. Within the spectrum of debilitating symptoms associated with MO, pain is recognized as a major problem. Interestingly, our clinical observations suggest that fatigue is also a significant concern but has merely been touched upon in MO literature. This study aims to (1) assess the level of pain and fatigue in adult patients with MO; (2) compare fatigue in MO to healthy subjects and patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA); (3) identify associated variables for pain and fatigue in patients with MO. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 353 adult MO patients completed a survey with validated questionnaires on pain, fatigue and psychosocial factors. Pain and fatigue were assessed with the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and fatigue was also measured with the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS). Fatigue (CIS) was compared with reference scores of healthy subjects and patients with RA, using a one-sample t-test. Multiple linear regression models for pain and fatigue were developed using a-priori selected independent variables based on a theoretical framework (ICF-model). RESULTS: Pain was reported by 87.8% (NRS = 3.19±2.6) and fatigue by 90.4% (NRS = 4.1±2.6) of patients with MO. Fatigue scores for MO (CIS = 84.1±15.3) were significantly higher (p<0.001) compared to reference scores of healthy subjects and patients with RA. The multivariable analysis for pain provided a final regression model with six variables (R2 = 0.445, p<0.001) of which fear avoidance beliefs and fatigue had the strongest association. For the fatigue models NRS (R2 = 0.455, p<0.001) and CIS (R2 = 0.233, p<0.001), the strongest associations were found with anxiety and depression respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Pain and fatigue are highly prevalent in patients with MO. Fatigue is significantly higher compared to healthy subjects and patients with RA. Several variables associated with pain and fatigue have been identified that could help improve multidisciplinary treatment plans.

Peroneal Nerve Decompression in Patients with Multiple Hereditary Exostoses: Indications, Complications, and Recurrence.

BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, there have been no studies examining peroneal nerve decompression and proximal fibular osteochondroma excision exclusively in patients with multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the indications, complications, and recurrence associated with nerve decompression and proximal fibular osteochondroma excision in patients with MHE. METHODS: The records on patients with MHE undergoing peroneal nerve decompression from 2009 to 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Indications, clinical status, surgical technique, recurrence, and complications were recorded and were analyzed using the Fisher exact test, logistic regression, and the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: There were 126 limbs identified in patients with MHE who underwent peroneal nerve decompression. The most common indications were pain over the proximal fibula, tibialis anterior and/or extensor hallucis longus weakness, and dysesthesias and/or neuropathic pain. Seven cases experienced postoperative foot drop as a complication of the decompression and osteochondroma excision. Logistic regression found significant relationships between complications and excision of anterior osteochondromas (odds ratio [OR], 5.21; p = 0.0062), proximal fibular excision (OR, 14.73; p = 0.0051), and previous decompression (OR, 5.77; p = 0.0124). The recurrence rate was 13.8%, and all recurrences occurred in patients who were skeletally immature at the index procedure. The probability of skeletally immature patients not experiencing recurrence was 88% at 3 years postoperatively and 73% at 6 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Indications for peroneal nerve decompression included neurologic symptoms and pain. The odds of a complication increased with excision of anterior osteochondromas and previous decompression. Recurrence of symptoms following decompression and osteochondroma excision was found exclusively in skeletally immature patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Medullary Compression by a Cervical Osteochondroma in a Patient with Multiple Hereditary Exostoses: A Case Report.

CASE: A 19-year-old man with Multiple Hereditary Exostoses presented with cervical pain without neurological symptoms and/or signs. Magnetic resonance revealed a large C2 osteochondroma, occupying a part of the medullary canal. He was submitted to an en bloc resection with hemilaminectomy without fusion. At the 1-year follow-up, he presented resolution of pain and no neurological symptoms or signs, without cervical instability or radiological signs of disease recurrence. CONCLUSION: Cervical osteochondroma is usually asymptomatic. Neurological compression and differentiation to chondrosarcoma are the main concerns. Surgical excision allows the local cure of the disease and is usually performed without fusion.

Long-term outcome of total hip arthroplasty in patients with multiple hereditary exostosis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple hereditary exostosis (MHE) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple osteochondromas. There is a paucity of literature concerning total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with MHE. The aim of this study is to report long-term outcomes of THA in patients with MHE. METHODS: Fourteen patients undergoing 15 THA's for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the presence of osteochondromas and proximal femoral deformity secondary to MHE were reviewed. Mean age at the time of surgery and follow-up was 56 and 12 years. Seven (47%) had uncemented femoral components. Eleven hips had coxa valga on preoperative imaging. Clinical outcomes were assessed with both Harris hip scores (HHS) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Scores (MSTS). RESULTS: Following surgery, there was an improvement in the HHS (48-82, p < 0.01) and MSTS scores (41-70%, p < 0.01). Complications occurred in 5 patients leading to reoperation in 3 patients, of which 2 patients underwent a revision procedure at 19 and 20-years postoperative. The 10-year revision free survival was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: THA in the setting of MHE reliably improves patient function. One in three patients will have a postoperative complication; however, the long-term incidence of revision is low.

Imaging of solitary and multiple osteochondromas: From head to toe - A review.

Osteochondromas account for 20%-50% of all benign bone lesions. These tumors may present as solitary non-hereditary lesions, which are the most common presentation, or as multiple tumors associated with hereditary conditions. Plain radiography is the imaging method of choice and demonstrates the typical cortical and medullary continuity of the tumor with the underlying bone. Magnetic resonance imaging is often performed to evaluate cartilage cap thickness, which correlates with malignant transformation. Other local complications include compression of adjacent neurovascular bundles, muscles, and tendons, bursitis, tendon tears, stalk fracture, and angular or rotational long bone deformities. Although the imaging features of osteochondromas are largely known, only a few papers in the literature have focused on their main complications and image-based follow-up. This paper aimed to illustrate the main complications of osteochondromas, suggest an image-based algorithm for management and follow-up and discuss differential diagnosis.

Radiographic evaluation of ulnar deformity in patients with hereditary multiple osteochondroma and its relationship with radial head dislocation.

INTRODUCTION: In patients who have hereditary multiple osteochondroma (HMO), progressive deformity of the forearm skeleton may lead to radial head dislocation. The latter is permanent, painful and causes weakness. HYPOTHESIS: There is a relationship between the amount of ulnar deformity and the presence of radial head dislocation in patients with HMO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional radiographic study comprising an analysis of anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral x-rays of 110 forearms in children having a mean age of 8 years and 4 months who were followed for HMO between 1961 and 2014. Four factors reflecting on the ulnar deformity in the coronal plane were investigated on the AP view and three factors in the sagittal plane were investigated on the lateral view to identify any relationship between ulnar deformity and radial head dislocation. The forearms were separated into two groups: with radial head dislocation (26 cases) and without radial head dislocation (84 cases). RESULTS: Ulnar bowing, intramedullary angle of ulnar bowing, tangent ulnar angle and overall ulnar angle were significantly higher in the group of children who had a radial head dislocation (0.05 vs 0.03, p<.001; 161 vs 167, p<001; 156 vs 162, p<001; 50 vs 30, p<.001) in univariate and multivariate analyses. DISCUSSION: Ulnar deformity, evaluated using the method described here, is more often associated with radial head dislocation than other previously published radiological parameters. This provides new insight on this phenomenon and may help to determine which factors are associated with radial head dislocation and how to prevent it. CONCLUSION: Ulnar bowing in the context of HMO, especially when evaluated on AP radiographs, is significantly associated with radial head dislocation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; case-control study.

Forearm deformity in multiple hereditary exostosis. Radiologic predictors of radial head dislocation.

INTRODUCTION: Radial head dislocation in patients with multiple hereditary exostosis (MHE) can lead to functional deficit. We investigated whether the location of the exostosis and certain radiological criteria predict risk of radial head dislocation/subluxation. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that the radiological criteria differentiate between patients who need closer follow-up of the forearm and others for whom multiple radiographs are superfluous. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the demographics of patients with MHE in our hospital, and radiographic measurements were made on forearm radiographs: radial length, ulnar length, ulnar variance, radial articular angle, and radial bowing. RESULTS: Forty-nine forearms were analyzed in 30 patients. Mean age was 9.5 years at first evaluation and 11.8 years at last evaluation. Radial head dislocation or subluxation was found in 6 forearms (12%). Risk factors comprised isolated exostosis in the distal portion of the ulna or exostosis in the distal part of both the ulna and radius, radial or ulnar shortening>4.6cm, radial bowing>8.1%, radial articular angle>35°, and≥3 exostoses in the forearm. DISCUSSION: In patients with MHE with risk factors for radial head dislocation, close follow- up with regular radiography is indicated and early surgery should be performed before the radial head dislocates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective study.

Guided Growth Improves Coxa Valga and Hip Subluxation in Children With Hereditary Multiple Exostoses.

BACKGROUND: In children with severe hereditary multiple exostoses (HME), coxa valga, and hip subluxation are common deformities. The literatures related to surgical management and prevention of hip joint subluxation in HME are scarce. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of guided growth procedure to correct coxa valga and hip subluxation in HME patients. METHODS: We retrospectively retrieved 12 patients who received guided growth procedures for coxa valga and hip subluxation in HME patients with proximal femur exostoses with a minimum follow-up time of 2 years between 2012 and 2019. Radiographic parameters include head-shaft angle, Hilgenreiner-epiphyseal angle, acetabular index, Reimer migration percentage, center-edged angle, articulo-trochanteric distance, and femoral neck length for comparison between preoperative and latest follow-up results. It was conducted statistically by paired t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: In this study, the mean difference between preoperative and latest follow-up was significant in head-shaft angle (12±5 degrees; CI, 10-14; P<0.001), Hilgenreiner-epiphyseal angle (12±5 degrees; CI, 10-15; P<0.001), and MP (7%±8%; CI, 3-11; P=0.001). There was a low revision rate (4 of 21, 19%) and no complication in our study. Compared with previous studies on guided growth in children with cerebral palsy and developmental dysplasia of the hip, our study showed good comparable outcomes. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that guided growth improves the hip radiographic parameters of children with HME and may prevent coxa valga and hip subluxations. It is a safe procedure and provides predictable results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; therapeutic, case series.

Total hip arthroplasty in hereditary multiple exostosis patients: literature review and evaluation of 10 cases.

BACKGROUND: Acquired hip deformities in patients affected by hereditary multiple exostosis (HME) may incur in early hip osteoarthritis and functional limitation requiring primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Characteristic coxo-femoral joint dysmorphisms in HME may pose a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. Here we report our experience in a series of patients with HME treated in our hospital with THA. METHODS: With a mean follow-up of 5 years, 10 primary THAs were reviewed; proximal femur deformities, acetabular dysplasia and joint osteoarthritis has been assessed through x-rays and CT-scan evaluation. In all cases hemispheric press-fit cups were used; 4 stem had metaphyseal engagement, 5 had proximal diaphyseal engagement and 1, with anatomical geometry, had metaphyseal fixation. 2 cases required stem cementation, 3 modular neck and 1 lateralised. The clinical data, complications and clinical outcomes, were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: The mean Harris Hip Score (HHS) increased from 34 preoperative to 86 postoperative; preoperative mean neck shaft angle (NSA) was 150°, head/neck ratio 0.6, offset 31 mm; Wiberg angle 28°, Sharp angle 38°, 1 patient had subluxation grade 4 according to Crowe, 8 hips showed osteoarthritis (Tönnis grade ⩾2 ); 5 femurs were classified as Dorr type C, 2 as type B and 3 as type A. Perioperative complications were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Primary THA in HME significantly improved clinical and functional outcomes. Press-fit cup fixation together with metaphyseal and proximal diaphyseal stem engagement on reliable bone quality femur, represents a valid option in HME patients with normal acetabular morphology, wide broaden neck and valgus NSA.

Distraction osteogenesis at the proximal third of the ulna for the treatment of Masada type I/IIb deformities in children with hereditary multiple exostoses: a retrospective review of twenty cases.

BACKGROUND: Ulna distraction by monolateral external fixator (MEFix) is a good option for the treatment of Masada type I and IIb deformities in children with hereditary multiple exostoses (HMEs). However, there is no consensus regarding where to perform ulnar osteotomy. Our hypothesis is that osteotomy at the proximal third of the ulna and progressive distraction with MEFix can simultaneously correct elbow and wrist deformities in patients with HME. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with HME who underwent ulna distraction osteogenesis from June 2014 to March 2019. The carrying angle (CA), radial articular angle (RAA), ulnar variance (UV), radial variance (RV) and range of motion (ROM) of the affected forearm and elbow were clinically assessed before lengthening and at the last follow-up visit. The total ulna lengthening distance (LD) and radiographic outcome were also recorded. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (20 forearms) with HME aged 9.1 ± 2.4 years at the time of surgery were retrospectively reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 26.1 ± 5.6 months. There were 11 patients (12 forearms) with Masada type I deformities and eight patients (8 forearms) with Masada type IIb deformities. Patients with type IIb deformity had higher RV, lower CA values, less elbow flexion and forearm pronosupination than those with type I deformity (p < 0.05); RV was an independent risk factor for radial head dislocation, with the cut off at RV > 15.5 mm. The mean LDs in patients with type I and type IIb deformities were 33.6 ± 6.6 mm and 41.4 ± 5.4 mm, respectively. The mean CA, UV, RV, forearm pronation and ulna deviation at the wrist improved significantly following surgery in all patients. In particular, five of eight patients (62.5%) with type IIb deformities had concentric reduction of the radiocapitellar joint, while no radial head subluxation was detected in patients with type I deformities at the last follow-up. Three complications were recorded: two pin-track infections and one delayed union. CONCLUSIONS: Distraction osteogenesis at the proximal third of the ulna provides satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with Masada type I and IIb deformities. Early treatment of Masada type I deformities is indicated before progression to more complex type IIb deformities.

Lower limb deformities and limb length discrepancies in hereditary multiple exostoses.

There is a high rate of lower limb deformity and limb length discrepancy in patients with hereditary multiple exostoses (HME). The aim of this study was to evaluate the type and frequency of lower limbs axial deviation and limb length discrepancy and the type of exostoses being risk factors for theses deformities. We retrospectively reviewed standing full-length radiograph of 32 HME patients (64 limbs) followed in our institution between October 2009 and December 2020. Patient demographics were recorded. Radiographic analysis of the coronal limb alignment was performed, limb length discrepancy was measured and topography of the exostoses was recorded. We propose a classification of lower legs in 2 groups and 4 types according to the presence and the location of exostoses. In group I, there is an intertibio- fibular exostose with fibular origin at the level of the tibiofibular joints. In type IA, at the level of the distal tibiofibular joint with ascension of the distal fibula; in type IB at the level of the proximal tibiofibular joint with a bracketing effect on the proximal tibia and a lateral slope of the proximal tibial growth plate; the type IC is combining features of both IA and IB. In group II, there is no intertibio-fibular exostose coming from the fibula and no growth abnormality is obvious. A clinically notable lower limb discrepancy (LLD) of ≥2 cm was found in 19% of our patients. Approximately 33% of patients had a knee valgus deformity and 44% had an ankle valgus deformity. The knee valgus deformity was due to fibular growth anomalies and not to distal femur anomalies. The majority of lower legs had fibular growth anomalies (72%) which was a significant risk factor for knee valgus deformity and leg length discrepancy. On the contrary, we found no correlation between number, location and volume of distal femoral exostoses and genu valgum nor leg length discrepancy. Presence of intertibio-fibular exostoses is a risk factor for knee valgus deformity and leg length discrepancy. The presence of these exostoses should lead to a close follow-up of the patient.

Hinge positioning method of Ilizarov apparatus in correcting radial head luxation caused by multiple hereditary exostoses.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we present a specified hinge positioning method to achieve satisfying and steerable lengthening and angulation to correct forearm multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE) combined with severe radiocapitellar joint dislocation using Ilizarov ring fixators. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2014 and December 2018, a total of 30 forearms of 23 patients (11 males, 12 females; mean age: 18.3±6.8 years; range, 8 to 35 years) who suffered from type IIa (n=2) or IIb (n=28) MHE with severe radiocapitellar joint luxation were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with Ilizarov external fixators with our specified hinge positioning method. Range of motion of the elbow, forearm and wrist and Visual Analog Scale (VAS), as well as Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and radiological parameters, including radial articular angle (RAA), ulnar variance (UV) and carpi slip (CS), were recorded preoperatively and at final follow-up and were compared. RESULTS: Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated. Range of motion of the elbow, forearm and wrist, VAS, DASH and radiological features, including RAA, CS, and UV were significantly improved, except for range of motion of the forearm supination. Temporary nail track infection was seen in two of the forearms and was controlled with oral antibiotics. None of the patients developed radial head dislocation again. CONCLUSION: Clinical and radiological outcomes of this novel hinge positioning method are satisfactory in treating MHE with severe radial head dislocation, and this method can be an alternative treatment for MHE by setting a milestone for accurate radiocapitellar joint reduction.

Potential influence of factors for genu valgus with hereditary multiple exostoses.

Genu valgus is one of the most common limb deformities in hereditary multiple exostoses (HME). However, it is easily concealed and may account for subsequent osteoarthritis of the knee. The knees of 56 patients (33 men and 23 women) with HME were investigated bilaterally. Knee valgus was described by the mechanical axis deviation (MAD), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA). We investigated sex, age, BMI, total number of palpable osteochondromas, number of radiographic osteochondromas around the knee, forearm deformities, morphology and distribution of lesions, and correlations between these factors and genu valgus. The measurement of LDFA and MPTA was performed to identify the sources of genu valgus deformity. Based on the measurement of the mechanical axis, limbs were classified as genu valgus (n = 22) or normal mechanical axis groups (n = 90). The different severities of the genu valgus patients were classified by MAD. By bivariate logistic regression, genu valgus was significantly associated with more sessile and flared metaphyseal lesions. However, only the number of flared metaphyseal lesions had a significant influence on the severity of genu valgus. By analyzing the LDFA and MPTA, it was found that abnormalities of both proximal tibia and distal femur play important roles in genu valgus. Early detection of sessile and flared metaphyseal knee lesions in patients with HME can contribute to early intervention of genu valgus. Level of relevance: Level 2.

Intra-articular acetabular osteochondroma in patients with multiple hereditary exostoses.

We report three additional cases of intra-articular acetabular osteochondroma in multiple hereditary exostoses patients in order to raise the awareness of this rare location, to prompt early diagnosis, and to present various treatment options according to the patient's condition. A 2.5-year-old boy presenting with an out-toeing gait had a large acetabular osteochondroma causing lateral displacement of the femoral head and acetabular dysplasia. Mass excision through hip subluxation via anterior approach and concomitant Dega osteotomy resulted in a congruent, well-developed, and well-covered hip joint at 11-year follow-up. A 10-year-old boy showing a pedunculated osteochondroma arising from the triradiate cartilage was successfully treated by arthroscopic excision. Normal development of the hip joint was observed at skeletal maturity. A 6-year-old boy presented with a painless limp. Acetabular osteochondroma could be confirmed by computed tomography scan, which was excised through hip subluxation by anterior approach. Persistent coxa valga and femoral head uncovering were addressed by femoral varization osteotomy at 9 years of age. A high index of suspicion is required to detect a lesion at this rare location. Various procedures may be considered according to the pathoanatomy. Acetabular dysplasia, coxa valga, and femoroacetabular impingement by femur neck mass, if associated, should be addressed in due time.

Incidental finding of hereditary multiple osteochondroma causing ischiofemoral impingement.

Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) has been described in the medical literature as a cause of hip pain. IFI occurs due to an abnormal contact or reduced space between the lesser trochanter and the lateral border of the ischium and is an often unrecognised cause of pain and snapping in the hip. Association of multiple exostoses and a skeletal dysplasia characterised by an abnormal modelling of bone metaphysis and osseous deformities is highly characteristic of this disease. Consequently, multiple exostoses may narrow the ischiofemoral space and cause impingement and pain, even in the absence of malignant transformation. Surgical excision of exostosis of the lesser trochanter is a safe and effective method of treatment for patients with IFI. We present a case of left hip pain with incidental finding of hereditary multiple osteochondroma causing IFI and discuss the predisposing factors and review of literature.

Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in a patient with multiple hereditary exostoses.

Background Multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE) also known as Multiple Osteochondromas is a rare benign bone tumour disease, characterized by multiple osteocartilaginous masses. The knee is one of the most affected sites. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery is the most common and generally most successful surgical knee procedure; however, the association between MHE and ACL reconstruction is very rare and may represent a challenging procedure because of the anatomical anomaly related to presence of multiple masses around the knee. Here, we present a case report of ACL reconstruction in a patient affected by multiple exostoses. Case report The patient was a 30-year-old woman affected by MHE, with an ACL tear arising after knee trauma. As the patient complained of pain, swelling and the knee "giving way", she successfully underwent arthroscopic-assisted ACL reconstruction using quadrupled hamstring tendon grafts, with femoral suspension and double tibial fixations. Conclusion Symptomatic ACL tears in a patient affected by MHE should be considered for arthroscopic reconstruction, which requires that particular attention be paid to tendons harvesting, tunnel placement and the choice of graft fixation system, given the presence of multiple masses around the knee.

Corrective Surgery for a Forearm Deformity in a Middle-Aged Patient with Multiple Hereditary Exostoses: A Case Report.

CASE: A 48-year-old man underwent corrective surgery for a deformity of the left forearm because of multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE). The patient had no complaint of pain, the appearance of his forearm improved, and acceptable range of motion of the wrist and forearm were maintained at 14-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The esthetic forearm deformity in the middle-aged patient with MHE was successfully improved without sacrificing function. Although there is little evidence of forearm corrective surgeries for adult patients with MHE, this report could expand surgical indications for them.