RESUMEN
PURPOSE: This study was aimed to analyze the incidence and the anatomical distributions of HME (Hereditary Multiple Exostoses) on upper limbs and its related change in alignment of the upper limbs in HME patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty eight patients who had been diagnosed HME between 2001 and 2009, were categorized into two groups; (1) group A (1-2 involvements); (2) group B (> or =3 involvements). We checked the carrying angle, VAS (Visual Analogue Scale), limitations in daily activities, cosmetic satisfaction according to the number of exostoses invasion. RESULTS: Among the 38 patients, 23 patients (43 cases) had exostoses in the upper limbs. The locations of exostoses in the upper limbs were proximal humerus in 33 cases (30%), distal ulna in 31 cases (28.2%), and distal radius in 24 cases (21.8%). The carrying angle of group A and B was 10.7degrees, 13.8degrees, VAS was 1.3, 3.5, and the limitations in daily activities was 7.3, 6.6 of 8 points. The cosmetic satisfactory cases were 13 and 10 cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: The deformity in upper limbs was observed in 65% of the HME patients. As the number of invasion increases, carrying angle and VAS were increased but limitations in daily activities and cosmetic satisfaction were decreased.