Treatment Options For Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Surgery

Repeated dislocations may cause joint damage over time that requires surgery to be repaired. The procedure needed depends on the affected joint and the level of damage. For repairs, arthroscopic procedures may be considered. Hardware may be placed to add stability to especially unstable joints. If damage to certain joints is very severe, doctors might discuss total joint replacement with their patients. Patients with the vascular type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome who experience a blood vessel rupture typically require surgery to repair it, which may be done under emergency circumstances. The rupture severity and the exact vessel affected determine the surgical technique used. Due to the skin issues many patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome experience, it is generally suggested that stitches not be used to close surgical incisions. Instead, patients may benefit more from closing incisions with either tape or staples.

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