What is the Difference Between Ehlers-Danlos and Hypermobility Syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) are both conditions that affect connective tissue, which provides support in skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, internal organs, and bones. The main difference between Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders lies in the stricter criteria for diagnosing EDS compared to HSD.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS):

• EDS is a group of rare inherited conditions that affect connective tissue.
• There are several types of EDS, and the severity of the condition can vary from relatively mild to disabling.
• Common symptoms of EDS include joint hypermobility, stretchy skin, and fragile skin that breaks or bruises easily.

Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD):

• HSD is diagnosed when individuals do not meet the clinical criteria for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome but manifest symptomatic hypermobility.
• HSD includes conditions that share similarities with hypermobile EDS (hEDS), but they do not meet the diagnostic criteria for EDS.
• People with HSD may experience joint laxity, tendonitis, dislocated joints, and other joint-related problems.

In summary, while both EDS and HSD involve connective tissue issues and joint hypermobility, EDS is a group of specific inherited conditions with stricter diagnostic criteria, whereas HSD is a broader term for conditions that do not meet the criteria for EDS but still present with joint laxity and related issues.

Comparative Table: Ehlers-Danlos vs Hypermobility Syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) are both conditions related to joint hypermobility and connective tissue abnormalities. However, there are some differences between the two:

Despite these differences, both conditions can result in joint instability, skin involvement, and other systemic manifestations. The central goals of therapy for both conditions are managing symptoms, preventing joint injury, and optimizing outcomes through early multidisciplinary treatment, including physical, occupational, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.