Hypermobility spectrum disorders: A review

A qualitative study exploring participants' feelings about an online pilates program designed for people with hypermobility disorders

BACKGROUND

and Purpose: Exercise is commonly recommended for management of the hypermobility disorders hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (hEDS/HSD). However, a variety of barriers exist, including access to knowledgeable providers, fear of injury, pain and fatigue. The purpose of this study was to explore factors that influence people with hEDS/HSD using an online Pilates program designed for hEDS/HSD and their perceived outcomes of such a program.

METHODS

This study used a qualitative grounded theory thematic analysis approach based on written survey comments from participants in an 8-week online Pilates program designed specifically for people with hypermobility disorders. Responses were analysed thematically for both facilitators and barriers to participation, and benefits and drawbacks as outcomes.

RESULTS

The findings revealed four themes contributing to facilitators and barriers: Physical, Mind-Body, Instruction/Instructor, and Accessibility. Exercises designed for people with hypermobility, feelings of safety, knowledgeable instructor, and convenience were key facilitators. Unrelated illness, injury or pain, fear of injury, and difficulty accommodating a range of ability levels were key barriers. We found two themes for outcomes (benefits and drawbacks): Physical and Mind-Body. Key benefits included both physical and psychological improvements, while drawbacks included pain, fatigue, and feeling discouraged. Based on these findings, we propose elements of future online exercise programs to enhance engagement with this population.

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes how people with hypermobility disorders feel about an online Pilates program designed for hypermobility, and proposes how future online exercise programs might best serve this population.

Ventral Rectopexy: An International Expert Panel Consensus and Review of Contemporary Literature

BACKGROUND

Ventral rectopexy has become increasingly used in the surgical management of rectal prolapse. There is a need for a contemporary evaluation of the role of the procedure and a description of its use in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

To create an international consensus on ventral rectopexy.

DESIGN

An expert panel undertook a scoping review of the literature to identify subject domains of interest. Literature reviews were completed for each domain with subsequent development of evidence-based and practice-based statements. These statements were compiled and reviewed by the group over a total of 9 meetings. Once statements were confirmed, supportive text was finalized, and an anonymous vote was completed using Research Electronic Data Capture to record consensus.

SETTING

An international expert panel comprising colorectal surgeons who perform ventral rectopexy in a high-volume center.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Statements and associated expert consensus.

RESULTS

Eleven experts identified 10 domains for review: indications, contraindications, assessment and planning, consent, operative details, prostheses, complications, follow-up, recurrence and reoperative surgery, and specific considerations. After round table review, there were 17 resultant statements for consideration. Experts agreed unanimously with 13 of the statements and their accompanying text, with different experts disagreeing regarding the remaining 4 statements (91% consensus each).

LIMITATIONS

Paucity of high-quality data.

CONCLUSIONS

This international group developed 17 statements with high consensus. These statements provide an up-to-date summary of the literature, identify key areas for research development, and provide a reference point for colon and rectal surgeons who undertake ventral rectopexy as part of their practice. See Video Abstract .

RECTOPEXIA VENTRAL CONSENSO DE UN PANEL INTERNACIONAL DE EXPERTOS Y REVISIN DE LA LITERATURA CONTEMPORNEA

ANTECEDENTES:La rectopexia ventral se ha utilizado cada vez más en el tratamiento quirúrgico del prolapso rectal. Es necesario realizar una evaluación contemporánea del rol del procedimiento y una descripción de su uso en la práctica clínica.OBJETIVO:Crear un consenso internacional sobre la rectopexia ventral.DISEÑO:Un panel de expertos realizó una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura para identificar los dominios temáticos de interés. Se completaron revisiones de la literatura para cada dominio con el desarrollo de declaraciones basadas en la evidencia y la práctica. Estas fueron compiladas y revisadas por el grupo a lo largo de un total de nueve reuniones. Una vez que se confirmaron las declaraciones, se finalizó el texto de apoyo y se completó una votación anónima utilizando REDCap para registrar el consenso.ESCENARIO:Un panel internacional de expertos compuesto por cirujanos colorrectales que realizan rectopexia ventral en un centro de alto volumen.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADOS:Declaraciones y consenso de expertos asociado.RESULTADOS:Once expertos identificaron diez dominios a revisar: indicaciones, contraindicaciones, evaluación y planificación, consentimiento, detalles operatorios, prótesis, complicaciones, seguimiento, recurrencia y cirugía reoperatoria y consideraciones específicas. Después de la revisión en mesa redonda, hubo 17 declaraciones resultantes para su consideración. Los expertos estuvieron de acuerdo unánimemente con trece de las declaraciones y su texto acompañante, y diferentes expertos estuvieron en desacuerdo con cuatro declaraciones (91% de consenso cada una).LIMITACIONES:Escasez de datos de alta calidad.CONCLUSIÓN:Este grupo internacional desarrolló 17 declaraciones con alto consenso. Estas declaraciones proporcionan un resumen actualizado de la literatura, identifican áreas claves para el desarrollo de la investigación y un punto de referencia para los cirujanos de colon y recto que realizan rectopexia ventral como parte de su práctica. (Traducción-Dr. Aurian Garcia Gonzalez ).

Sexual dysfunction in women with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders: an online community-based study

Objectives

Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (h-EDS) are connective tissue disorders associated with joint hypermobility, pain, fatigue and autonomic dysfunction. We sought to assess sexual function in women with h-EDS/HSD.

Methods

In this cross-sectional community-based case-control study, women with h-EDS/HSD completed the following online questionnaires: Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), 31-item Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS-31), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and an additional short form with questions pertaining to comorbidities and sexual activity. Scores were compared with those of healthy female controls.

Results

A total of 84 women with h-EDS/HSD [mean age 37.1 years (s.d. 8.4)] and 75 healthy women [mean age 29.79 years (s.d. 5.38)] completed the questionnaires. Of these, 75% were diagnosed with h-EDS, 25% with HSD and 58% had concurrent postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. A majority of women with h-EDS/HSD (52%) did not engage in any sexual activity, and only 25% reported having sexual intercourse with a partner in the past 6 months. The mean COMPASS-31 score was 51.5 (s.d. 13.8), mean BDI-II score was 24.6 (s.d. 11.4) and mean FSFI score was 15.3 (s.d. 7.9) in the patient group. Compared with healthy controls, women with h-EDS/HSD had decreased FSFI scores in the subdomains of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and sexual satisfaction. Neither BDI-II nor COMPASS-31 scores were predictive of the FSFI score.

Conclusion

Compared with healthy women, we found significant sexual dysfunction in women with h-EDS/HSD, which did not correlate with depressive or autonomic symptoms in this cohort. Given its health implications, sexual dysfunction represents a significant unmet need that calls for development of targeted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the care of women with h-EDS/HSD.

Louis J. The prevalence of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome at a gender-affirming primary care clinic

Objective

This study utilized a sample of trangender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse (TGD) patients to build on emerging literature that suggests that hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may be overrepresented in TGD populations. The objective of this retrospective chart review was to determine the prevalence of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome syndrome at a gender-affirming primary care clinic.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of medical records was conducted with records between May 2021 and June 2024. Eligible participants were active patients at the gender-affirming primary care clinic, who were over the age of 16, were TGD, and had a diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Of 2180 patients over the age of 16, 59 patients met the criteria. The primary outcome was the prevalence of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in the sample, summarized by frequency and percentage. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of associated clinical features within the sample of TGD patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Results

The prevalence of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome syndrome was 2.7%. Within the sample of patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, 81.4% were found to have diagnoses of anxiety, depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, 50.8% had a history of migraines or dysautonomia, 39.0% had a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, diarrhea, or gastroparesis, 16.9% had history of mast cell activation disorder, 32.2% had postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, 30.5% had dysmenorrhea, 83.1% reported chronic pain, and 44.1% reported chronic fatigue.

Conclusions

We found that 2.7% of the 2180 patients had a diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome syndrome. The sample had notably high rates of medical comorbidities as well as anxiety, depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, consistent with emerging research. The results support the intersecting psychological and healthcare vulnerabilities of TGD patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Further research in this intersection could support mitigation of health care disparities that affect TGD patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome syndrome.

Is Generalized Joint Hypermobility Associated with Chronic Painful Temporomandibular Disorders in Young Adults? A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is a common condition characterized by an increased range of motion across multiple joints. Previous studies have suggested a possible association between GJH and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of GJH in a Portuguese population of young university adults and to explore the relationship between GJH, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms/clinical findings, chronic painful TMDs, and chronic painful TMDs subtypes (myalgia, arthralgia, or combined myalgia and arthralgia). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Oporto university institutions, involving 1249 students (18-25 years). GJH was assessed using the Beighton score cut-off ≥ 4. TMJ symptoms and clinical findings were collected using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD protocol, as well as TMD diagnoses. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to examine the associations between GJH and the variables of interest. Results: The overall prevalence of GJH was 41.9%, with females exhibiting a significantly higher likelihood of GJH (p < 0.001). A statistically significant association was found between GJH and TMJ clicking (p < 0.05). Although no overall association was found between GJH and chronic painful TMDs, GJH was significantly associated with the combined diagnosis of myalgia and arthralgia (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results suggest that GJH may be associated with the more complex subtypes of chronic painful TMDs. However, due to the small size effect of this association, future longitudinal studies with large samples using GJH broader diagnostic criteria are essential to elucidate the relationship between GJH and painful TMDs in asymptomatic nonsyndromic joint hypermobility populations.

Uncovering the alterations in extrinsic foot muscle mechanical properties and foot posture in fibromyalgia: a case-control study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate foot posture and the mechanical properties of extrinsic foot muscles in fibromyalgia.

METHODS

Patients with fibromyalgia (n = 86) and age- and gender-matched controls (n = 41) were included in the study. Foot Posture Index (FPI), Beighton and Brighton criteria were used to evaluate static foot posture, joint hypermobility, and benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS), respectively. Tonus, elasticity, and stiffness of the extrinsic foot muscles including gastrocnemius medialis, tibialis anterior, and peroneus longus were measured by the MyotonPRO® device. Foot function, quality of life, and physical activity level were assessed by the Foot Function Index (FFI), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), respectively.

RESULTS

The frequency of abnormal foot posture in the fibromyalgia and control groups was 68.6% versus 39%, respectively; and neutral foot posture was approximately twice as prevalent in the control group compared to the fibromyalgia group (p = 0.006). Pronated foot posture was the most common abnormality in fibromyalgia (61.6%) and observed in 85.5% of the patients with joint hypermobility and in 87.1% of those meeting BJHS criteria. The elasticity of peroneus longus at rest and the elasticity of tibialis anterior in the standing position were significantly different between the fibromyalgia group and the control group [1.08 (0.22) vs. 1.02 (0.25), p = 0.037 and 0.92 (0.29) vs. 0.87 (0.24), p = 0.011, respectively]. Regarding the fibromyalgia group, no difference was detected among foot posture groups in terms of myotonometric data.

CONCLUSIONS

Pronation foot posture is common in fibromyalgia with a much higher frequency in fibromyalgia patients with hypermobility. In daily clinical practice for fibromyalgia, particular attention should be given to foot alignment.

Headache disorders in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders

Extra-articular symptoms, including headaches, are frequently encountered in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and may be the presenting complaint. Migraine is reported in up to three quarters of patients with symptomatic joint hypermobility, have a higher headache frequency, and an earlier age of onset compared to the general population. Orthostatic headache is an important presentation, and should raise suspicion of an underlying spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak, dysautonomia, and craniocervical pathology, which are all associated with heritable connective tissue disorders (HCTD) including EDS. Any proposed invasive procedure should be scrupulously balanced against its potential risks, taking into account the type of EDS (e.g., vascular EDS) and its systemic manifestations. This is particularly pertinent when suspecting craniocervical instability since it remains a controversial diagnosis with a limited treatment evidence-base. This article reviews the commonly encountered headache disorders in patients with joint hypermobility-related conditions with a focus on EDS and HSD, describes their diverse presentations, and an overview of the recommended management strategies. It also emphasises the need for increased awareness of comorbid conditions in EDS and HSD among clinicians treating headaches to ensure a patient-tailored approach and facilitate a multidisciplinary approach in managing often complex cases.

Chronic Pain and Joint Hypermobility: A Brief Diagnostic Review for Clinicians and the Potential Application of Infrared Thermography in Screening Hypermobile Inflamed Joints

Joint hypermobility syndromes, particularly chronic pain associated with this condition, including Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), present diagnostic challenges due to their multifactorial origins and remain poorly understood from biomechanical and genomic-molecular perspectives. Recent diagnostic guidelines have differentiated hEDS, HSD, and benign joint hypermobility, providing a more objective diagnostic framework. However, incorrect diagnoses and underdiagnoses persist, leading to prolonged journeys for affected individuals. Musculoskeletal manifestations, chronic pain, dysautonomia, and gastrointestinal symptoms illustrate the multifactorial impact of these conditions, affecting both the physical and emotional well-being of affected individuals. Infrared thermography (IRT) emerges as a promising tool for joint assessment, especially in detecting inflammatory processes. Thermal distribution patterns offer valuable insights into joint dysfunctions, although the direct correlation between pain and inflammation remains challenging. The prevalence of neuropathies among hypermobile individuals accentuates the discordance between pain perception and thermographic findings, further complicating diagnosis and management. Despite its potential, the clinical integration of IRT faces challenges, with conflicting evidence hindering its adoption. However, studies demonstrate objective temperature disparities between healthy and diseased joints, especially under dynamic thermography, suggesting its potential utility in clinical practice. Future research focused on refining diagnostic criteria and elucidating the underlying mechanisms of hypermobility syndromes will be essential to improve diagnostic accuracy and enhance patient care in this complex and multidimensional context.

Correlation between benign joint hypermobility syndrome and headache in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (BJHS) is a most common hereditary connective tissue disorders in children and adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and subtypes of headache in children with BJHS.

METHODS

This observational-analytical study was conducted in a case-control setting on school children aged 7 to 16 years in 2021-2023 in Isfahan, Iran. Students were examined for BJHS using Beighton criteria by a pediatric rheumatologist. Headache disorder was diagnosed according to the Child Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, and Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaires for child and adolescent and International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-III).

RESULTS

A total of 4,832 student (mean age 10.3 ± 3.1 years), 798 patients with BJHS and 912 healthy children were evaluated. The probability of headache in children aged 7-11 with hypermobility was 3.7 times lower than in children aged 12-16 with hypermobility (P = 0.001). The occurrence of headache in children with BJHS was more than the control group (P = 0.001), and the probability of headache in children with BJHS was 3.7 times higher than in healthy children (P = 0.001). Migraine was the most common headache type reported of total cases. The probability of migraine in children with BJHS was 4.5 times higher than healthy children ( P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study showed a significant correlation between BJHS and headache (especially migraine) in children and adolescents.

Mast cell activation and nutritional disorders in patients with hypermobility

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Individuals with joint hypermobility disorders are increasingly referred to gastroenterology services for support with the investigation and management of gastrointestinal complaints. Individuals can present with a myriad of complex coexisting diagnoses, the inter-relationship of which is unclear. This review discusses the proposed association between hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) with disorders of mast cell activation and provides an overview of gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional outcomes in this patient cohort.

RECENT FINDINGS

It is unclear whether a true association between hEDS/HSD and mast cell activation disorders exists. There is a high prevalence of nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with hEDS/HSD and patients may be at risk of macro-nutrient and micro-nutrient deficiencies, although the current evidence base is limited.

SUMMARY

We advocate a pragmatic approach to the investigation and management of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with hEDS/HSD. This centres on excluding organic pathology, discussing the overlap with disorders of gut-brain interactions, trialling evidence-based therapies targeting individual symptoms, and supporting nutritional deficiencies where present via the least invasive approach. Engagement with a broad multidisciplinary team is also important to support the holistic needs of this patient cohort.

Unraveling the genetic collagen connection: clinical and therapeutic insights on genetic connective tissue disorders

Hereditary connective tissue disorders include more than 200 conditions affecting different organs and tissues, compromising the biological role of the extracellular matrix through interference in the synthesis, development, or secretion of collagen and/or its associated proteins. The clinical phenotype includes multiple signs and symptoms, usually nonspecific but of interest to rheumatologists because of musculoskeletal involvement. The patient´s journey to diagnosis is long, and physicians should include these disorders in their differential diagnoses of diseases with systemic involvement. In this review, insights for the diagnosis and treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta, hypermobility spectrum disorder/Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and Stickler syndromes are presented.

Joint Hypermobility Syndrome and Membrane Proteins: A Comprehensive Review

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDSs) constitute a heterogeneous group of connective tissue disorders characterized by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility. Asymptomatic EDSs, joint hypermobility without associated syndromes, EDSs, and hypermobility spectrum disorders are the commonest phenotypes associated with joint hypermobility. Joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by extreme flexibility of the joints, along with pain and other symptoms. JHS can be a sign of a more serious underlying genetic condition, such as EDS, which affects the cartilage, bone, fat, and blood. The exact cause of JHS could be related to genetic changes in the proteins that add flexibility and strength to the joints, ligaments, and tendons, such as collagen. Membrane proteins are a class of proteins embedded in the cell membrane and play a crucial role in cell signaling, transport, and adhesion. Dysregulated membrane proteins have been implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders; recent studies have suggested that membrane proteins may also play a role in the pathogenesis of JHS. This article presents an exploration of the causative factors contributing to musculoskeletal pain in individuals with hypermobility, based on research findings. It aims to provide an understanding of JHS and its association with membrane proteins, addressing the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of JHS.