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The MHE (Multiple Hereditary Exostoses) Center at the Paley Institute is the first center of its kind: an all-inclusive, comprehensive treatment center for MHE.

Learn more about how we treat MHE

Multiple Hereditary Exostoses is a rare bone disease that is characterized by growths of multiple osteochondromas - benign cartilage-capped bone tumors that grow outward from the growth plates of long bones. Osteochondromas bud off the growth plates. For this reason, osteochondromas can be found throughout the body, particularly in the:

  • Femurs
  • Tibias
  • Fibulas
  • Radius / Ulna
  • Humerus
  • Hips
  • Spine

Osteochondromas lead to progressive bone deformities that worsen over time and can result in pain and disability, joint dislocation, restricted range of motion, and nerve entrapment.

Due to the comprehensive nature of the disease, most individuals with MHE require multiple surgeries to address their difficulties. For instance, if an individual has osteochondromas in the spine and the knee they will need a spinal surgery and a separate knee surgery to address their deformities. For this reason, many patients with MHE require multiple specialists to fully treat the disorder. This typically entails traveling to multiple facilities.

At the Paley Institute, we are proud to offer a dedicated, all-in-one treatment center for MHE. We currently have five orthopedic surgeons on staff, all of whom are familiar with MHE and its treatment, and who each specialize in different aspects of orthopedics. Come to the Paley Institute for comprehensive treatment strategies for MHE. Our specialists will be able to address any and all problematic osteochondromas with state-of-the-art surgical procedures. A physician is on staff in the clinic at all times.

In addition to our team of specialized surgeons, we also have an on-site Rehabilitation Department, just down the hall from our clinic. All of our therapists have been specially trained in the therapy and rehabilitation of a variety of complex bone and soft tissue deformities.

Our Specialist Team

Dr. Paley

Dror Paley, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Paley is the founder and director of the Paley Institute. He is internationally recognized for his expertise in limb lengthening and reconstruction. In 1986 he introduced the Ilizarov Method to the United States and Canada after training under the guidance of Professor Ilizarov himself.

Dr. Paley has been treating MHE for nearly 30 years. He has developed a number of surgical procedures for excising osteochondromas and repairing joint deformities in the hip, knee, ankle, and arms.

Dr. Feldman

David Feldman, MD

Dr. Feldman is the director of the Spine Institute at the Paley Institute. He also leads our hip deformity center. Dr. Feldman was previously Chief of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center / NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases.

Dr. Feldman has extensive experience in treating children and adults with scoliosis and other spinal deformities, as well as severe limb and hip deformities. Dr. Feldman specializes in treating MHE patients with spine and hip osteochondromas.

Dr. Robbins

Craig Robbins, MD

Dr. Robbins joined the Paley Institute in June 2014. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Tulane University. Dr. Robbins specializes in treating children and adults with congenital and acquired limb abnormalities.

Dr. Robbins has extensive experience in treating MHE. He specializes in the treatment of angular and axial limb deformities, such as genu varum and genu valgus.

Our Center

West Palm Beach     West Palm Beach

The Paley Institute is located at St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, United States. Our amazing location in West Palm Beach offers patients a resort atmosphere year-round.

Our location offers our patients the following amenities:

  • Recently renovated surgical care units
  • Advanced imaging and radiology suites
  • On-site physical therapy
  • Convenient aquatic therapy
  • Wound healing and hyperbaric medicine center
  • A dedicated children’s hospital

The Paley Institute is conveniently located ten minutes from the Palm Beach International Airport. We are also accessible via the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and the Miami International Airport. For more information, see Travel Information.

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