What are the characteristics of fractures in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)?

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From the Research

Characteristics of Fractures in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

  • Fractures in EDS can be pathologic, as reported in a case of a near-term neonate with arthrochalasia type EDS who presented with a pathologic skull fracture following vaginal delivery 1
  • Bone fragility resulting in fractures has been reported in some types of EDS, including kyphoscoliotic, arthrochalasia, spondylodysplastic, and classic-like EDS 2
  • Hypermobile and classic EDS types may have mildly decreased bone mineral density, but it is unclear if fracture rates are increased in these types 2
  • Vertebral abnormalities, such as asymptomatic vertebral fractures, are common in classical and hypermobile EDS types 2, 3
  • Patients with hypermobile EDS (hEDS) or hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) have a higher fracture prevalence and smaller bone size compared to healthy control subjects 4
  • hEDS/HSD patients have a cortical bone size deficit, which may contribute to their increased fracture risk, and decreased muscle cross-sectional area, but normal bone/muscle area ratio 4
  • EDS patients have reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and bone quality, as measured by trabecular bone score (TBS), and increased prevalence of vertebral fractures (VFx) 3
  • Bone fractures are a common feature of EDS, with a prevalence of 19% in one study, and may be associated with other features such as osteoporosis, premature rupture of membranes, and congenital hip dislocation 5

References

Research

Bone Disease in Patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes.

Current osteoporosis reports, 2020

Research

Bone involvement in adult patients affected with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA, 2016

Research

Higher fracture prevalence and smaller bone size in patients with hEDS/HSD-a prospective cohort study.

Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA, 2020

Research

Clinical features of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi, 2006

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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