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Living with Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica

A rare bone condition in children in which extra bone growth forms near the ends of long bones, often on one side of a joint.

Understanding Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica

Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica (DEH), also called Trevor's disease, is a rare condition that most often affects the ends of long bones in children.

In this condition, the ends of bones (epiphyses) grow in an irregular way. It can cause extra, noncancerous bone growths, joint pain and stiffness, and uneven growth of the limbs. Symptoms usually begin in childhood or the teen years. GARD says the cause is not known.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Bone pain
  • Joint stiffness
  • Extra noncancerous bone growths (exostoses)
  • Uneven growth of one part of the body
  • Knock knees or bowlegs
  • Flat feet

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which joints are affected, and how often should they be checked?
When would surgery be considered for bone growths?
How could this affect my child's growth and activity?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startChild and as a Teenager
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD says the cause isn't known. It lists autosomal dominant inheritance, meaning one changed copy of a gene can cause it.

Genetic

Also known as: trevor disease; trevor's disease

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelicaGARD ID 2019 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica.

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