Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica

Last revised by Joshua Yap on 4 Jun 2023

Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica (DEH), also known as Trevor disease, is an extremely rare, non-hereditary disease that is characterized by osteochondromas arising from the epiphyses.

The incidence is estimated at ~1:1,000,000 3. There is a recognized male predilection (M:F = 3:1). It usually presents in young children.

The etiology is uncertain but is thought to be congenital.

  • the lower extremity is more common than the upper extremity

  • distal ends are more affected

  • medial aspects are affected twice as commonly as lateral

  • the distal femur is one of the most frequent sites

  • can occur around the ankle joint

Azouz et al. has proposed the following classification:

  • classic form: characteristic hemimelic distribution involving more than one bone or epiphysis within a single lower extremity

  • localized form: single bone affected (unilateral or bilateral)

  • generalized form: involves the whole limb from the pelvis to foot

Typically shows an irregular mass with focal ossification arising from one side of the affected epiphysis 3. This can result in widening of the affected joint.

Useful for assessing cortical continuity with the epiphysis.

MRI is useful for evaluation of underlying ligaments and cartilage. Osteochondral overgrowth signal intensity will be similar to normal epiphyseal cartilage and bone.

Treatment is surgical excision of the mass with preservation of the joint.

  • fragmentation and detachment leading to intra-articular bony fragments

  • deformation of the ligaments and tendons affecting the joint mechanism

  • chronic tendonitis and tenosynovitis due to chronic irritation of tendons by mass or bony fragments

  • development of secondary osteoarthritis of the affected joint

After French surgeon Albert Mouchet (1869-1963) and Joseph Belot (1876-1953) first described the condition in 1926 7, it was elaborated on by David Trevor (1906-1988), an English orthopedic surgeon from London 6,7. Later in 1956, Thomas John Fairbank (1912-1998) coined the name "dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica" because of the medial or lateral half predisposition within a limb 7.

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