[A combination of multiple cartilaginous exostoses and enchondromatosis of bone in a family]

Abstract

Four cases of multiple cartilaginous exostoses in a family (mother and three children) are described. In two children the exostoses are combined with enchondromatosis of the large tubular bones. At some phalanges of these children the changes show the roentgenologic signs of solitary enchondromas and ecchondromas and in one of the cases with cartilaginous exostoses osteochondroma-like changes were found. The combination of the described symptoms seems to indicate a close relationship between enchondromatosis and the cartilaginous exostoses, as well as between these chondrodysplasias and the cartilaginous tumours.