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Living with Exostoses, multiple, type 2

An inherited condition with many benign bony growths that can affect growth, joints, and nerves.

Understanding Exostoses, multiple, type 2

Exostoses, multiple, type 2 (hereditary multiple osteochondromas) is a condition with many benign, cartilage-capped bone growths.

The growths grow outward from long bones. They can reduce bone growth, change bone shape, limit joint movement, shorten height, cause early arthritis, and press on nerves. Most people are diagnosed by age 12. GARD says the chance of these growths becoming cancerous is low and rises with age.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists this as the most common:

  • Many benign bony growths (osteochondromas)
  • Changes in bone shape
  • Limited joint movement
  • Shorter height
  • Pressure on nerves

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

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

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

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
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
How often should my growths be checked?
Which signs should make me call the doctor?
Which specialist, such as an orthopedic doctor, should follow me?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

This condition is autosomal dominant, which means a change in one copy of the gene can cause it. GARD does not name the gene here.

Also known as: exostoses (multiple) 2 gene; exostoses, multiple caused by mutation in ext2; exostoses, multiple, type ii; ext2; ext2 exostoses, multiple; ext2 gene

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Exostoses, multiple, type 2GARD ID 2205 · 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 Exostoses, multiple, type 2.

Explore the Exostoses, multiple, type 2 blog

Explore research for Exostoses, multiple, type 2

Explore actively recruiting Exostoses, multiple, type 2 studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Exostoses, multiple, type 2 with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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