Epidemiology

The prevalence of EDS is estimated between 1 in 5000 and 1 in 100,000, depending on the EDS subtype, but this is probably an underestimation. The exact prevalence of the various EDS subtypes is not known.[6]

Hypermobile EDS (hEDS; previously known as EDS III or hypermobility type) is by far the commonest subtype, although joint hypermobility in general is a common finding in the normal population, with a prevalence of up to 30% (highest among adolescents and young adults, females, and Asian and African racial groups).[7][8]

A cohort study conducted in Wales reported a point prevalence of hypermobility spectrum disorder or hEDS of 0.2%.[9] A study of patients in Chile with hereditary disorders of connective tissue found that 92% had joint hypermobility syndrome (hEDS), while 7% had vascular EDS (vEDS; previously known as EDS IV or vascular type).[10] Hypermobility has been reported in over 50% of female patients attending some physiotherapy services.[11]

Classical EDS (cEDS; formerly called classic type or EDS I/II) is the second most common subtype, with vEDS and other subtypes being rare.

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer