hypermobility spectrum disorder Flashcards
what is hypermobility?
This is a pain syndrome in people with joints that move beyond normal limits (often referred to as being “double-jointed”).
no precise definition as joint mobility is a graduated phenomenon. It may affect any number of joints.
due to laxity of ligaments, capsules and tendons. It is thought that the origin of pain is from microtrauma.
who gets hyper mobility spectrum disorder?
- often familial
- few are symptomatic but affects 1/10
- women and asians more common
- present in childhood. young adulthood
- recurrent subluxation or dislocation may feature
what are the symptoms and signs of hypermobility spectrum disorder?
- soft tissue rheumatism e.g. epicondylitis
- abnormal skin: papyraceous scars,
hyperextensible, thin, striae - marfanoid habitus (features of marfans syndrome)
- arachnodactyly (long and slender fingers and toes)
- drooping eyelids, myopia (short sightedness)
- hernias and uterine/rectal prolapses
what non drug therapy is used to treat hypermobility spectrum disorder?
mainstay of treatment
focus is on strengthening exercises to reduce joint subluxation
work on posture and balance
splinting and surgical intervention if not tolerated
advice on pacing and goal setting may be helpful, a specialist pain management input is often needed
what pharmacological therapy can be used?
paracetamol is mainstay
no good evidence base on which to advise
how is hypermobility scored?
using the Beighton score
what are some heritable connective tissue disorders?
HSD, Marfan syndrome and Ehlers Danlos syndrome.
