Osteochondromas of the hand in hereditary multiple exostosis: report of a case presenting as a blocked proximal interphalangeal joint.

Blocking of motion of an interphalangeal joint in the hand by an osteochondroma has not been reported previously. Osteochondromas, which are uncommon in the hand, are encountered most frequently in patients with hereditary multiple exostosis. They can occur away from the epiphyseal plate region at the distal end of the proximal and middle phalanges. Osteochondromas that occur in these locations characteristically cause angular and rotational deformities. Early recognition and prompt surgical treatment in this child resulted in full motion with minimal angular deformity.